Clearview National April 2016 - Issue 173 | Page 24

INDUSTRYNEWS

Ugly House to Lovely House
A project by Golden Houses Developments, the UK-based construction
business specialising in high-end residential properties, featured on Channel
4’s Ugly House to Lovely House programme at the beginning of March.
»»CATCHING THE ATTENTION OF THE PROGRAMME
makers, betty and Amazing Productions, Golden Houses Developments
redeveloped a small 1960s house with a garage on the side in
Wokingham, Berkshire.
The firm, which typically takes on large projects involving up to 12
houses or 45 flats, got involved in the house extension having been
courted by the client’s architect for several months. He stipulated
that he’d only work with Golden Houses Developments as no other
contractor brings the same approach to construction projects.
In particular, the architect insisted on working with Golden Houses
Developments so the client would benefit from its problem solving
skills and high quality workmanship in every aspect of the build,
including bespoke joinery.
Golden Houses Developments demolished the garage and built
a two-storey extension in its place. But the work didn’t stop there.
Designers and craftspeople at the business also reconfigured the entire
ground floor interior of the existing house and altered the staircase to
the first floor.
Incredibly, the Golden Houses Developments team completed the
project, which also included decoration and the installation of a new
kitchen, in just over seven weeks.
Speaking about the project, Monika Slowikowska, founder of Golden
Houses Developments, said: “It’s almost unthinkable that a project of
this size and nature can be completed in seven weeks. It gave our team
a tough challenge – and they responded. This project shows why our
services are in high demand and why all our work comes to us from
recommendations. I’m really pleased with the result and proud of
everyone here who made it happen. And we’re all delighted that it’ll get
seen by the TV audience Ugly House to Lovely House will attract.”
Ugly House to Lovely House is a radical six part design series hosted
by expert architect George Clarke. It champions the power of great
architecture to transform undervalued and unloved British housing
stock into exciting spaces to live in.

24 » A PR 2016 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M

In each programme, innovative and awarding-winning architects
remodel an ugly house into a home that excites its owners. The results
are surprising, inspiring and challenge our ideas about how we live in
the 21st century.
Ugly House to Lovely House is about reimagining what you can
afford in an amazing new light, with the help of some of the UK’s finest
architectural minds.
George Clarke says: “I’m delighted to be presenting Ugly House
to Lovely House for Channel 4. Phenomenal architecture and design
should be available to everyone and this show will hopefully bring it
to the masses, showing us how we can turn our unloved houses into
homes.”
One of very few construction companies led by a woman, Golden
Houses Developments focuses on solutions, not problems. Monika’s
unique approach was recognised by the 2015 Women in Construction
& Engineering Awards. She was named as a finalist in the Best Woma n
Contractor category.
www.goldenhouses.co.uk