Cardinal House
Team AB was appointed to deliver the transformation of Cardinal House, a former office building in the heart of Ipswich, into a high-quality residential development comprising 28 modern apartments. The project involved a full internal reconfiguration, extensive refurbishment, and compliance upgrades to meet current residential standards, all within a constrained town-centre environment.
Our Approach
As main contractor, Team AB adopted a collaborative and solutions-driven approach from the outset. Early engagement with the client, design team, and key stakeholders allowed us to fully understand the project objectives and constraints. Our team carefully planned the conversion works to maximise the existing structure while delivering well-designed, efficient living spaces that meet modern residential expectations.
We placed strong emphasis on programme control, quality finishes, and minimising disruption to neighbouring properties—critical factors for a live town-centre location.
Key Challenges & Solutions
Structural Adaptation
Converting a commercial office layout into residential apartments required significant structural coordination. Team AB worked closely with engineers and consultants to reconfigure floor layouts, services, and vertical circulation efficiently while maintaining structural integrity.
Compliance & Regulations
Meeting residential building regulations, including fire safety, acoustics, and thermal performance, presented a key challenge. Our team implemented compliant fire compartmentation, enhanced sound insulation, and upgraded building fabric to achieve regulatory approval without compromising design intent.
Town Centre Constraints
Restricted access, limited storage, and tight logistics were carefully managed through detailed planning and phased deliveries, ensuring the programme remained on track.
Results
The Cardinal House scheme was successfully delivered as a high-quality residential development, providing 28 contemporary apartments that contribute positively to Ipswich’s town-centre regeneration. The project was completed to a high standard, on programme, and in line with client expectations—demonstrating Team AB’s expertise in office-to-residential conversions and complex refurbishment projects.
This project highlights our ability to unlock value from existing buildings, delivering sustainable residential solutions while navigating technical, regulatory, and logistical challenges.
