Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery

Ad Gefrin Museum & Whiskey Distillery - spiral stairs

20 March 2023

In March 2023, Cklip Commercial Cleaning was appointed by Brims to deliver a Builder’s Clean, Sparkle Clean and exterior window cleaning to a newly completing, world-class visitor centre in the Northumbrian heartland of Wooler.

Comprised of a museum and working whiskey distillery, the Ad Gefrin visitor centre celebrates the unique and historically important Anglo-Saxon heritage of the area, and having secured multi-million-pound funding from a variety of streams is a flagship in the region helping to revitalise its rural economy and boost tourism.

Built on the site of a former haulage yard in Wooler, the ground floor has a bistro with an open kitchen and gift shop. Alongside more traditional exhibiting areas, the first-floor museum features an immersive AV experience held in a re-creation of the ‘Great Hall’ from the royal palace of Gefrin, the former summer retreat of Anglo-Saxon Northumbrian royalty.

Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery, Wooler
Location: South Rd, Wooler NE71 6NJ
Client: Brims
Assignment: Builders clean, sparkle clean and external window cleaning

Brief

Every Builder’s and Sparkle clean has unique specifications, however the Ad Gefrin site required additional consideration due to its distinctive design and end use as a museum and whiskey distillery. While the tasks included were the norm for a project approaching its final stages of delivery, the Cklip team were engaged for their specialist experience in navigating obstacles such as difficult-to-reach areas, restricted access points, delicate finishes and areas with limited ventilation.

Analysis: Site Visit

A spiral staircase forms the visual centrepiece of the interior. Set within a domed atrium constructed from individually hand carved wooden blocks, the staircase features an almost continuous glass balustrade contributing to the open feel of the space but presenting a significant challenge when it comes to creating dust free, high gloss finish.

While the first-floor museum includes a variety of new exhibiting areas including glass display cases, signage, shelving, cabinets, and interactive spaces, repurposed natural materials from the original site are also integral throughout the building.

Implementation: Works Carried Out

In response to the site visit the Cklip project manager overseeing the brief’s delivery created a bespoke cleaning plan ensuring that all products and techniques used protected the integrity of the build’s unique materials, while delivering a pristine finish to the design features, museum display, and public areas.

The team understood the need for a careful but thorough approach and adapted to the bespoke cleaning plan accordingly. They employed appropriate equipment, such as ladders and scaffolding to access delicate areas at height, and purified water systems for external window cleaning.

Review: Hand Over

Cklip’s expertise in delivering cleaning solutions tailored specifically to each build and interior fit came to the fore with this project, and both the client and Ad Gefrin team were delighted with the finished result.

At Cklip, we are committed to providing top-notch cleaning solutions that meet the unique requirements of every project we undertake. To discuss the scope and requirements of your specialist project or arrange a free site visit please don’t hesitate to contact us.