Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens December 2020

Block A this side of the building has completed brickwork.

Welcome to blog number 18 about my December site visit to Courtyard Gardens here in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion in summer 2021 of 111 high-end one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William part of the Berkeley Group.

These photographs were taken on Tuesday 15 December, with captions on each image - (smartphone view in landscape format to enable captions).

To give you a better understanding of the site I have included a photograph of the model below of Courtyard Gardens, it clearly shows the layout – I often refer to it before going on-site to get my bearings.

Read on to find out more…

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents, Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the site.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining it back centre and Block C on the left.

I noticed a big change since I last visited the site back in October, as always the scale of the development never ceases to amaze me.

My site visits are accompanied by Ness Kingham, Assitant Site Manager who shows me around and updates me about the changes since my last visit and what is due to happen next. The next paragraph, from Ness, tells you more about the state of play on the day of my visit.

Internal trades are underway on Block A with first fix mechanical and electrical on the higher levels, and second fix dry lining on the lower. Brickwork is near complete, with balustrading underway on the balconies and terraces, and scaffold striking has commenced on the eastern elevation. Brickwork has commenced on Block B and windows are being installed on the upper levels. On Block C, façade is underway on the lower floors and blockwork has gone up in the basements. Externally, a second mortar silo has been installed and the original site cabins have been removed to make way for landscaping to commence in January.

A view from between Blocks B and C with Block A on the left. The original site cabins that once stood right of the mortar silo have been removed to make way for landscaping stating January 2021.

Looking out of the pedestrian entrance to Block B across what will be landscaped gardens to Block C.

Looking towards the entrance and communal lift in Block A.

A lift in Block A.

Inside a living room in one of the apartments in Block A.

Water pipes in a corridor riser.

Doors to one of the apartments in Block A leading to a terrace.

View from a balcony in Block A onto the entrance and soon to be landscaped gardens, looking towards Station Road East.

The car park beneath Block A – the pipe and cables are complete in the ceiling.

Inside the plant room that houses the boilers and water tank which serve all the apartments – Block C

The different grades of plasterboard some are better suited to humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, whereas others provide higher fire resistance or sound insulation properties.

Inside a master bedroom in one of the apartments in Block A.

Electrical cable and pipework in the ceiling recess of a corridor in Block A.

Side of Block B showing the hoist.

A terrace to a first floor apartment in Block A behind Priory House.

Close up of the brickwork, on the left the red ones and the purple ones on the right. This still needs to be cleaned and the expansion joint sealed

A balcony in Block A.

Balcony in Block A with balustrading underway.

Whilst I was there a lorry brought in a second mortar silo to service Block C.

Looking out of a second floor balcony from Block A showing Block B in the far distance on the right and overlooking what will be the landscaped garden entrance to Block B with Block C on the left.

Same view as the previous image showing a second mortar silo has been installed in front of Block C. Landscaping will commence January 2021, in the area bottom left of the photo where the machine is seen.

A stairwell in Block A with balustrading.

Looking back at Block A from the soon-to-be landscaped gardens and entrance to Block C.

Looking towards the walkway between Block A on the right and Block B seen on the left. The curved concrete structure forms part of the landscaped gardens as shown on the photograph of the model at the start of this blog.

A floor level within Block C.

Brickwork on Block B.

Block C where the former Johnsdale car park was, the site cabins can be seen to the right of the picture, with the crane just visible.

Below pictures of the site photographed in January 2019 and again in December 2020

The site in January 2019 when the start of the dismantling of the gasholder began.

The site in December 2020 showing Block C with Block A showing to the right.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progress of the development as much as I have, it’s been lovely to share this with you.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity.

To read the blog from October please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 17 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too.

I’ll be back with more news as soon as I can depending on the current lockdown restricitions.

Thank you.

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens October 2020

Block B (right) and Block C (left) at Courtyard Gardens Oxted.

Welcome to blog number 17 about my recent visit to Courtyard Gardens here in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This forms part of a series of ongoing updates documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019 right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses in summer 2021, by St William part of the Berkeley Group.

The photographs I’m showing were taken on Monday 26 October, with captions on each image - (smartphone view in landscape format to enable captions).

To give you a better understanding of the site I’m including a photograph of the model below of Courtyard Gardens so we can get our bearings – I often refer to it before going on-site – read on to find out more…

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the site.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining it back centre and Block C on the left.

I always look forward to photographing onsite because so much changes from month to month. During this visit I was told:

“We are preparing the slab of Block C on the 5th floor, with brickwork at level 3 on Block A and windows at level 5. The first fix mechanical and electrical are at level 1 on Block A. The windows on Block B are at level 1”.

The underground car park in Block C.

Looking out from the top of Block C towards Johnsdale on the right of the photograph.

View from 5th floor of Block C toward the top of Snatts Hill onto the A25.

Looking out from Block A

Block C level 5 – marking out the steel, preparing the slab for the next stage. The crane in the background bringing materials.

Block C level 5 preparing the slab. Beautiful views!

Blocks A and B car parks are connected via pedestrian access only. Cars will have independent access to the respective parking areas but pedestrians can pass between all car parks.

Looking through the rebar at the views beyond at level 5 Block C.

Underneath Block C decking to prepare for the 5th floor slab.

Block A on the right showing Block B and Block B car park to the left, the future landscaped gardens will sit in the foreground.

Block C car park level 1.

Windows on Block A.

Looking down from Block C at what will be the landscaped area and road entrance to Blocks A and B.

The development is gated for residents and their guests only. Block C is accessed via Johnsdale, behind Station Road East. Whilst Blocks A and B are accessed via Station Road East. There is parking for residents in the car parks beneath the flats.

Looking at Block C from future landscaped gardens outside Block B.

Block C on the left and Block B on the right showing the windows at level 1.

Block A windows at level 5 and brickwork at level 3. The foreground area will be landscaped.

Windows installed in Block B level 1, the brickwork is built around this.

Block B car park sits underneath the building.

Brickwork at level 3 on Block A .

Pointing to brickwork – there are three different colours of brick used, known informally as yellow, red and purple. This photo shows purple bricks only.

Block A level 3 windows and doors opening onto balcony ready for the brickwork to be built.

Balcony view level 5 Block A.

View from balcony Block A.

The Berkeley Group is renowned for landscaping and Courtyard Gardens will not be an exception. Finished with wonderful gardens, seating areas and a water feature.

View from Block A towards Block C.

Inside an apartment Block A.

Corridor Block A.

Finished brickwork Block A level 3. Purple brick colour shown on the left of the picture.

Brickwork detail above the balcony doors.

Inside one of the flats showing wiring and sprinkler pipes on the ceiling.

The show flat is taking shape and will be ready to welcome prospective buyers in February 2021.

Inside the plant room in Block A that houses the boilers and water tanks for all apartments, this can be found at basement level.

Another view inside the plant room.

The side of Block C from behind the flats on Station Road East that sit above the shops. This use to be the traders’ car park by Johnsdale.

Block C with Block A seen behind on the right.

The Front of Block A which is accessed via a side road on Station Road East next to Carpet Right.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progress of the development as much as I have, it’s been lovely to share this with you.

All of the images are held within my personal archive for posterity. It’s becoming harder to remember what the site first looked like before, but what I do remember is the vast gasholder that deceptively took up so much space.

To read the blog from September please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 16 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berekely Group St William website.

I’ll be back in December with my next site visit update. Unfortunately the November visit will not be possible due to the current Government lockdown restrictions for non-essential visits.

Thank you.

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens September 2020

Courtyard Gardens, Oxted – view of Block C from the top of Block B

Welcome to blog number 16 – this months site visit took place on Thursday 24 September, a sunny and warm day despite the wet and overcast start.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing blogs documenting the gasholder before demolition, during demolition at the start of 2019, and during the building process which I started in the Spring of 2019. Completion of the 111 high-end one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses is scheduled for Summer 2021 by St William part of the Berkeley Group.

The photograph below shows a model of the completed development to help you understand the progress photographs a little better.

A model of Courtyard Gardens housing development can be found at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted opposite the site.

Block A shown above on the right, with Block B adjoining via a walkway is shown back centre. Block C is separate from Blocks A & B and is shown on the left.

The entrance to Blocks A & B is via Station Road East – seen in the foreground of the model. Block C is accessed via the entrance on the far left of the model, next to Johnsdale, where the former car park entrance once stood – all set beautifully within landscaped gardens. Each apartment has a balcony or terrace to enjoy the outside space.

The photographs below are each captioned on top – if viewing on your smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Looking out of Block C to the top of Block A.

Inside Block C

Looking out of Block B to Block A

Block C, level 4 slab being built. Block B is in the background.

Each Level and apartment is identified

From Block B looking towards Johnsdale.

The views from the top of Block A from the roof level which is inaccessible to residents.

How things have changed since my site visit in August.

The current status I’m told is – the frame is complete on Block A – at level 5 on Block B – and at level 4 on Block C.

The SFS (steel frame structure - the metal that is put up around the edge of the building that the purple weather defence board is then fixed to) is being installed at Block B level 2 and Block A level 5.

Meanwhile, all other trades are operating solely on Block A with windows being installed on level 3, brickwork on level 2, and internal fit-out across levels 1 and 2.

Block C up to 4th floor there will be 5 floors when complete.

View from the roof of Block A inaccessible to residents.

The outside lift on Block A– a hoist for passengers and materials to all floors.

The lift shaft and core of Block B.

Block B looking towards Block A.

The top of Block C on level 4.

Car Park Block A.

A view of the top of Block B on the right and Block C on the left, the portacabin the site mangers and others work from is visible in the middle.

An outside lift called a hoist has been added to Block A to enable passengers and materials to be easily distributed to the different floors. The second crane has served its purpose and will be dismantled when the weather conditions are right.

Block A level 5.

The different colours of the fireproofed plasterboard represent different purposes. The plasterboard that is grey on both sides is fixed to the walls where the front doors are and are reinforced to prevent forced entry.

Living room in Block A.

Looking out onto a terrace on Block A.

The brickwork on Block A.

There are three different colours of brickwork used on this development to give a unique feel.

Bricklaying in progress on Block A.

Windows and terrace doors fitted ready for the brickwork to complete the exterior on Block A behind the shops in Station Road East. (where my old studio was)

The inside of the utility cupboard in the show apartment.

Living room in the show flat.

Inside one of the apartments.

Corridor in Block A.

Markings on the floor for a wall to be added

Masterbedroom in the show flat Block A.

Block C from behind the flats on Station Road East.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progress of the development as much as I have, it’s been lovely to share this with you.

To read the blog from August please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under featured ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 15 gas holder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berekely Group St William website.

I’ll be back next month with more news.

Thank you.

Stella

Everything You Need Is Here In Oxted

SMS Creative Photography

Everything you need is here on your doorstep in Oxted!

You may have received one of our flyers through your letterbox pre-COVID (same as images above & below). If so and if not I’m getting in touch to remind you of our services since before lockdown and beyond!

The pandemic has shaken us all and forced us to reassess so many areas of our lives, it is with this in mind we all need professional images of some sort, read on to find out more…

From headshots for websites, brochures, LinkedIn or a job application, it’s the first impression that makes all the difference.

To a family photo-shoot in the garden to mark a celebration or just because you want to – it’s a fun experience for all ages. It really does make my heart sing when I meet and photograph families that I have known for years and new ones too. It’s wonderful to be a part of your history, with over 20 years of established relationships with many of you.

I’m also often asked if I teach how to use a camera and the answer is, yes I do. I used to teach group classes but found it works better to teach one to one so the class is tailored to your individual knowledge, camera and requirements. So I ask “Is your camera gathering dust or just kept on auto”? If so now is the time to dust it down and book a masterclass, you’ll be very glad you have taken control of your camera rather than the other way round!

Don’t forget we also photograph business and residential premises interiors & exteriors when the need arises for personal and marketing needs.

One other thing that has been constant since the start of SMS Creative Photography back in February 1997 is the need for picture framing for photographs and artworks. We offer a comprehensive service by collaborating with master craftsmen who have served us for over 20 years.

Last and by no means least our sister website stellascordellis.com is automotive based – photographing events and personal collections as well as producing bespoke coffee table style books for commercial and personal enjoyment, take a look at the site to find out more.

Please feel free to get in touch by email or ‘phone 01883 722282 if you have a project or photo-shoot in mind, and no, it isn’t too early to think about dare I say Christmas!

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

It has been lovely to share this with you today.

Stella

‘Stella’ Lifestyle Photography

Introducing 'The Toucan Agency'

Back in March, I embarked on a new challenge as a public speaker onboard a luxury cruise ship. As some of you already know, this is, or rather was, way out of my comfort zone, the very thought of it filled me with fear.

However, I was determined to overcome this fear and managed to deliver 7 different 45-minute presentations about my commissions as a photographer, as well as other subjects I needed to research and learn about to match the photographs I had taken, such as the history of Malta and Barbados – ports we were due to visit.

I returned from the cruise rather earlier than expected and went straight into lockdown, which meant my photography commissions were put on hold and my restless mind was looking for other challenges – this was the turning point that encouraged me to use my time wisely.

Which brings me onto the very soon to be launched shiny new website to introduce 'The Toucan Agency' – a vibrant personal service to teach confidence and enjoyment in the ability to speak in front of an audience without feeling daunted.

In collaboration with my friend, the effervescent and highly acclaimed public speaker Helen Pointer (on the left) – who taught and guided me during the process – she really is amazing! We are now offering our experience for all to benefit from to empower you in front of an audience, no matter how large or small.

Feel free to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @thetoucanagency and Twitter @AgencyToucan

I will be back very soon with more information, please feel free to post your comments, we'd love to hear from you.

Website launch 27 July www.thetoucanagency.com

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Many thanks

Stella

Preparing the finishing touches to the website – The Toucan Agency

June End Of Month Newsletter 2020

Welcome to my end of June newsletter. I hope you are all well and adapting to our new way of living as we begin to enjoy more freedom and return to the new normal, whatever that may turn out to be.

Here at SMS Creative Photography, I have been using lockdown to plan for the future months, more about that a little later. 

We are currently taking bookings for outdoor photo-shoots, especially in gardens whilst they are looking so beautiful to mark significant moments in time – such as landmark birthdays and anniversaries or just to have some fun and enjoy the experience. I am so looking forward to seeing you again to be a part of this ongoing process. If you have something special coming up that you would like photographed please do get in touch, be lovely to hear from you. Or, now that we can revisit our hairdressers perhaps it is time for a much needed and updated head shot photograph in my new open-air studio in my garden.

One other thing I have enjoyed during lockdown is the number of you who have emailed or called to place an order for photographs taken many years ago that you have been meaning to order for some time, either for yourself or to send to loved ones. This really is the beauty of photography, it's a reminder of how we all visually evolve every single day, it's not until we are forced to stop that we are given the time to reflect and appreciate the passing of time and how fleeting it is.

Early in July I will be writing a blog about Oxted town including some photographs of the building process of the flats on the former gas holder site now known as Courtyards Gardens, they really are going up fast! Unfortunately during lockdown and due to restricted access my monthly site visits are on hold, the photographs taken are from different viewpoints around the town.

Lastly and by no means least, I want to tell you about another project I am working on which is due to launch later in July. This will run alongside my photography commissions. I am so excited because I am sharing my experience of how I learned to become a confident public speaker for the presentations I gave on board the cruise ship in March – seven of them in 10 days – which for me was no mean feat as this has always been something I didn't think I could achieve and completely outside my comfort zone.

Using the time during lockdown to plan and branch out into other enriching areas, to benefit you or someone you know the art of public speaking. I am in the process of setting up a new business in collaboration with my friend Helen – an accomplished public speaker who taught me presentation skills. During my learning process, I felt there must be so many others out there who could benefit from Helen's unique way of teaching. The pandemic has given me the time to make this a reality.

Whether you are looking to hone existing public speaking skills or starting from scratch as we are increasingly presenting online, standing on stage in front of a crowd, or even becoming President or Chair of your society or club – or preparing to give a speech at both business or intimate settings, such as weddings and significant anniversaries, you no longer have to feel daunted by the prospect.

'The Toucan Agency'  – a friendly place to learn the art of public speaking will soon be introduced as I put the finishing touches on the website, more to follow next month...

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this month's newsletter, I really appreciate it and the support you have shown me during these changing times. I look forward to hearing from you.

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Stella