The client:
Fowles Funeral Services
Location:
Winsford, Cheshire
Building type:
40′ X 24’7″ X 10′
Overview:
Earlier this year, Dave, part of family run business, Fowles Funeral Services, got in touch with us here at Graham Heath Construction following a recommendation from local grounds worker, Mike Beeston.
Fowles Funeral Services, based in Winsford, Cheshire, have been operating at their current premises since 1957, with a further history dating back 200 years within Winsford. With a strong family heritage, the business has passed through many generations, of brothers and sons. First started by James Fowles all those years ago.
Kelly and Bobbie popped in to see Dave to check out the new building.
Dave very kindly showed us around the new building, which housed the funeral cars and hearse.
The building has been finished in red brick which hides the steelwork, so it matches with the surrounding buildings.
He then, very kindly, showed us around the ‘Garden of reflection.’ A small tranquil oasis located to the rear of the site, for loved ones to come and take a breather, plan or even just reflect. Its home to lots of wildlife, including badgers, squirrels, foxes and even the bugs have got their own ‘bugs hotel!’. Filled with natural beauty and flowers, Dave has some wonderful plans involving the local schools to add some colour using pebbles/rocks, project rainbow rockery!
We learnt a lot about the business and their extensive work for charities throughout the year, glasses appeal, selection boxes, memorial mile, and the pyjama appeal for Leighton Hospital. Follow them on Facebook “Fowles Funeral Services” to keep up to date!
What was the need for the building and why did you choose Graham Heath Construction?
“We already had a garage to park the vehicles, however this had stood the test of time and was here when we moved in 1957. We wanted to replace this building with a watertight, and aesthetically pleasing build where we can store/clean the funeral cars and hearse. We didn’t quite know where to start, but after speaking with Mike, he highly recommended using Graham Heath Construction”
We provided Fowles Funeral Services, with a roof on legs structure using a 60mm thick tile effect twin skin roof from Thomas Panels and Profiles. We used a steel box gutter, which will be lower maintenance, easier to clean, as its in close proximity to the trees in the garden. One of which has felled onto the solid new structure recently and its barely made a dent!!
Were there any specific design requirements?
As we already have buildings in situ, it was important for us to have this building in keeping with the others, which is why we opted to have the outside of the building bricked. We used concrete panels on the rear as they can’t be seen and were an easier option as it backs onto a rear boundary. Also, with typical Cheshire weather, we didn’t want to have a single skin roof due to the noise of the rain, we investigated the twin skin roof system, and it supersedes our expectations. One of our main objectives was to ensure the doorways have enough height clearance for the hearse, with our building being purpose built this wasn’t a problem.
“Thanks to Dave and all at Fowles Funeral Services for showing us round, we look forward to keeping in touch and watching out on social media for the new upcoming, Rainbow Rockery project!” – Kelly
Do you need a quote for your next building project? Don’t hesitate to contact our team today on 01270 781158, email info@gh-construction.co.uk or request your free quote here.