An Aycliffe steel firm has helped to construct the biggest house ever to feature on Channel 4’s popular TV show Grand Designs. SCH Site Services provided the steel for the 60-metre long bungalow which left presenter Kevin McCloud almost speechless.
McCloud, who has presented the show since it first aired in 1999, appeared stunned by the sheer scale of the project when he arrived to view the steel frame, which was fabricated in Newton Aycliffe and transported to the site in Sussex.
SCH managing director Gary Finley said: “We ended up spending three days on site, but only because we were delayed by the film crew. 75% of the building was erected on the first day, but then we were held up for nearly a full day waiting for the film crew to arrive.
The Grand Designs project, was one of a number of interesting contracts SCH has been working on over the last year. “We’ve had a varied year with some interesting projects in different parts of the country,” added Gary.
The colourful portfolio of projects enabled SCH to record a £4.5m turnover earlier this year.
Formed in 2006, SCH first operated as a crane hire company with four mobile cranes and four drivers working for local companies, but it grew into steelwork and in 2011 recorded a turnover of £325,000.
After moving into new premises in 2012, sales grew to £2.2m and then £3.43m before hitting £4.1m in 2013, £4.1m in 2014 and £4.5m this year, while staff numbers have also doubled to 40 in the last four years.
As well as Sir Robert McAlpine and B&K, SCH also boast Wates Group (formerly Shepherd Construction), Robertson’s North-East, Hall Construction, Peikko and Balfour Beatty among their client list. For more details about SCH, go to www.schsiteservices.co.uk or call them on 01325 327149.
