Lowfield Timber Frames has donated its specialist timber frame design and manufacturing expertise to a “DIY SOS-Big Build” project in Risley, Derby for a special 10th-anniversary Children in Need episode. The kit was manufactured at our factory on the Shropshire/ Mid Wales border with the pre-insulated panels and roof cassettes erected on site in just 3 days, creating the external structure for a bespoke children’s counselling and therapy centre at Treetops Hospice.
The centre will hugely benefit bereaved children and their families across Derbyshire. Treetops works primarily with young people who are experiencing traumatic grief. The support they receive is invaluable, life-changing and helps them work through their grief. Improving mental health and wellbeing, Treetops is recognised as a centre of excellence for children’s counselling.
Tim Morris, Operations Director at Lowfields said, “It was truly humbling to be part of a programme that successfully unites, inspires, and motivates hundreds of volunteers to do good. We were amazed to discover that many of the trades who make these special projects happen are DIY SOS regulars, people who give up their time and expertise with no other motivation than to help others, there was a real sense of community and pride.”
The speed with which the DIY SOS team works is renowned, there was a good reason they chose a timber frame for the superstructure element of the project.
Kevan Hurst, Construction Manager at Lowfields explained, “We were on site a week before the scheduled 10-day build meaning the structure was water-tight within days, without the drying out period which is usually required when using traditional building methods. We were given a week to erect the kit but it only took us 3 days, the excellent weather helped but the kit was a credit to all involved.”
The insulation housed within the external walls of the structure allows enhanced thermal performance. With rising energy costs at the forefront of everyone’s minds, building thermally efficient buildings is now more important than ever.
Lowfields loved being part of DIY SOS-The Big Build. In addition to the transformational and moving impact for families going through a difficult time, the opportunity to make a difference also had a profound effect on the Lowfield Timber Frames team. It was remarkable to see the positive impact the building will have on the children at the centre for years to come.
It was a challenging but hugely rewarding project to be involved in. The whole team across Lowfield Timber Frames collaborated, and our supply chain immediately agreed to donate their services too. We would like to extend a huge thank you to our suppliers who came on board; Fengate Fasteners, Jordeson Timber, Maxpack, Metsawood, Paramount Structural Engineers, A Proctor Group, Recticel, SIG, Sodra & YB Fixings. We would also like to thank LACE Carpentry and Joinery along with MTC Crane Company for erecting the kit, it’s been a great team effort.
