Civil building construction

We have constructed a wide selection of buildings for various parties, these include block built and portal frame structures. All buildings constructed have been fully kitted out to completion.

These include:

• Orkney College – Erection of a portal frame building with insulated sheeting to form office space and a workshop area. This now allows apprentices to train for a trade.
• Rousay Fire Station – Erection of a whole new fire station building.
• Kirkwall Travel Centre – Work included Foundation piling, ground beams and associated ground works.
• Kirkwall Police station – Placing foundation piles.
• Pickaquoy Amenity Block – Demolition of the existing building and construct new build with associated landscaping.

Sometimes prior to starting a new build an existing building has to be removed. Demolition is not always straightforward due to removal of asbestos, unstable structures and unknown services connected to the building. We ensure work is carried out safely by means of method statements, risk assessments and tool box talks. Several of our work force have completed site safety courses.

Its not just the supply of materials and erection of the building that we do. We can also do in house plans, design calculations, submit plans and documentation for planning approval. We can provide a one stop shop service.

Case Study

Bignold Park Pavilion

The Bignold Park Pavilion in Kirkwall is one of Orkney’s principle listed buildings and was listed in 1999. It is to be found in the Park that was gifted to the town through deed by Sir Arthur Bignold in 1906. Three years later, the Bignold Park Committee commissioned J M Baikie to design a pavilion for the newly gifted park and following completion of the design the pavilion was completed in 1911. Particularly interesting features of note include the striking decorative balcony which spans the entire front elevation, and the fish-scale tiled roof.

Over time, the building had fallen into a poor state of repair and being listed required remedial work that maintained the original internal and external features. Currie Brothers was able to demonstrate that it possessed the necessary skills and experience to carry out the refurbishment of a listed building in keeping with the demands of Historic Scotland. The works included re-rendering of the external façade, fabrication of new window and door structures in keeping with the original designs, removal and reinstallation of wood panelling, refurbishment of the changing rooms and associated facilities and total re-decoration both internally and externally.

The building now takes pride of place in the park, where it is used to provide changing facilities for local sports teams, as well as acting as the Headquarters for the Orkney 'County Show'.

Case Study

Building Demolition

The "Black Building" as it was known, was sited near Kirkwall on Orkney. It was originally constructed to serve as the main operations
and communication centre to defend Orkney, both as an RAF Sector Operations Room and also a Gun Control Room. During the Second World War allied military flights in and around Orkney, were controlled from here. It was originally set within a high fenced enclosure, but over the years had fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect. When a decision was made to have it demolished, it stirred up much local feeling, as it was felt to have been an integral of Orkney heritage, with many calling for the building to be given protected status.

Once a decision had been made to demolish the building, Currie Brothers were appointed as primary sub-contractor as they had the necessary qualifications, skills and equipment – no simple feat as it had originally been built to withstand bomb attacks! However, Currie Brothers was able to demonstrate that not only did we have the right knowledge and plant, but that we could also manage effectively the associated waste disposal, in compliance with environmental legislation.

In January 2011, a draft development brief was published for consultation setting the redevelopment plans for the site. The Brief identified the opportunity to provide for up to 17 new houses on the site which can be developed in a range of formats including detached, semi-detached or terraced forms. The site was included as a priority in the Orkney Islands Council’s new Serviced Sites Programme commencing later in 2011.

More information and pictures about the Black Building can be found on the Orkney Communities website