Delivering a Full Fabric Package Within a Live Working Environment
FTD were appointed to deliver the full fabric package for Dalkia’s Exeter office refurbishment, completing the works within a live and operational building. The project required careful planning and coordination, with works undertaken both during and outside normal working hours to minimise disruption to staff and maintain business continuity throughout the programme.

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Project Overview

Client: Dalkia
Location: Exeter
Sector: Commercial Offices

Project Value: £750,000
Project Type: Office Refurbishment and Fit-Out
Scope of Works: Full Fabric Package
Working Environment: Live and Occupied Building

The Brief

The brief was to strip out the existing office accommodation and create a refreshed internal layout incorporating new office spaces, glazed partitions, ceilings, kitchen facilities, flooring and bespoke construction elements. As the building remained operational throughout the project, FTD needed to manage the works around the client’s day-to-day activities while maintaining safe access and minimising noise and disruption.

The Challenge

Delivering a comprehensive refurbishment package within an occupied building required detailed programming and close coordination with the client and other project stakeholders. Certain activities needed to be completed outside normal working hours, while the demolition, installation and finishing works had to be carefully sequenced to ensure the building could continue operating safely. The project also included bespoke works within the fire risers, where new floor systems were required to accommodate the installation of additional ductwork.

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Our Solution

FTD commenced the project with the demolition and strip-out of the existing office elements, including glazed partitions, plasterboard partitions, suspended ceilings and carpet tiles. Following the strip-out phase, our team constructed the new internal layouts using a combination of solid and glazed partition systems. New MF ceilings and suspended grid ceilings were installed throughout the refurbished areas. FTD also delivered the complete installation of the new kitchen facilities, including a main kitchenette, along with associated joinery such as doorsets, skirting boards and
architraves. The finishing package included acoustic wall panelling across several rooms, carpet tiles throughout the office areas and LVT flooring within the kitchen spaces. As part of the specialist works, FTD designed and installed bespoke floor systems within the fire risers, enabling the integration of new ductwork while maintaining the required level of safety and performance.

Scope of Works

• Demolition and strip-out of existing office elements

• Removal of glazed and plasterboard partitions

• Removal of existing ceilings and carpet tiles

• Installation of solid partition systems

• Installation of glazed partitions

• MF ceiling installation

• Suspended grid ceiling installation

• Full kitchenette and main kitchen installation

• Installation of doorsets, skirting and architraves

• Acoustic wall panelling

• Carpet tile installation throughout office areas

• LVT flooring within kitchen spaces

• Design and installation of bespoke fire-riser floor systems

• Coordination of works within a live building

• Out-of-hours working where required

Project Highlights

• £750,000 commercial office refurbishment

• Full fabric package delivered by FTD

• Works completed within a live and occupied building

• Combination of daytime and out-of-hours working

• New solid and glazed office layouts

• Complete ceiling, flooring and joinery package

• Bespoke floor systems designed for fire risers

• Careful management of safety and operational continuity

• High-quality finishes throughout

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The Outcome

The completed refurbishment has provided Dalkia with a modern, functional and high-quality office environment designed to support the needs of its workforce. Through careful programming and close coordination, FTD successfully delivered the full fabric package while allowing the building to remain operational throughout the project. The finished scheme demonstrates FTD's ability to manage complex commercial refurbishments within live environments, combining technical expertise, high-quality workmanship and effective project delivery.