Lingen Davies secures year-long support from local businesses

Two Shropshire businesses have pledged their support throughout 2024 to Lingen Davies, a charity dedicated to supporting people impacted by cancer across Shropshire and Mid Wales.

Sister companies SJ Roberts Construction and Lowfield Timber Frames, both based in Marton on the Shropshire/Wales border, have a long history of supporting charities that impact the communities where they’re most active.  They have traditionally entered teams for a wide range of sporting events that include the Welshpool, Newtown and Oswestry 10k runs, the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon, and a series of bike events.  The relationship with Lingen Davies will see this further extended to include the Shrewsbury Colour Run and other Lingen Davies events.

Managing Director of SJ Roberts Construction, Mike Sambrook, commented: “We’re proud of the dedication that the teams at SJ Roberts and Lowfield Timber Frames show each year as we raise as many funds as possible to support important local causes.

“Working with charities that are active in and around the locations where our teams are based is important and we decided to support Lingen Davies given the widespread impact that cancer has – indeed, members of our own team have benefitted from their support.”

As part of the partnership, the Lingen Davies team will visit both the SJ Roberts and Lowfield Timber Frames teams at their Lowfield base, as well as on-site, to deliver its LiveLife Cancer Awareness Service.  This delivers information aimed at helping prevent cancer, recognising the signs and symptoms of cancer, and encouraging people to seek treatment earlier, as well as accept cancer screening invitations.

Darren Jarman, MD at Lowfield Timber Frames, concludes:

“The Lingen Davies’ LiveLife Cancer Awareness Service was something that particularly appealed when we were considering which charity to support this year.  There can be a lot of bravado on construction sites and providing a means of destigmatising awareness and early detection, can only be a positive thing.

“I’m very much looking forward to getting involved in events this year that supports this important cause.”

Powys-based charity, Ponthafren has today received a significant donation from two-local businesses following a year of fundraising events.

Teams from sister companies SJ Roberts Construction and Lowfield Timber Frames, both based in Lowfield near Welshpool, undertook a series of fundraising events during 2023 that included both the Welshpool and Newtown 10k runs, Brynkinalt Running Festival, Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon, Oswestry 10k and a series of bike events.

In doing so, they raised £3,500 which will support the charity in its provision of positive mental health support services across mid-Wales.

Managing Director of SJ Roberts Construction, Mike Sambrook, commented: “The dedication that the teams at SJ Roberts and Lowfield Timber Frames have once again demonstrated to raising funds for a charity that they feel a connection with is quite phenomenal.

“The events that they’ve got involved in require significant personal commitment and this is reflected in the support that they’ve received.  Of course, getting involved in events is one thing, raising a sum such as that which we’ve today handed over to Ponthafren is quite another, and for that we must extend our thanks to not just the teams here, but to everyone who has supported us with donations.”

The teams also rolled out a series of cake sales, raffles and an office sweepstake.  Darren Jarman, MD at Lowfield Timber Frames, concludes:

“As a keen runner myself, I thoroughly enjoy the sporting events that we get involved in each year but to ensure that our fundraising efforts are inclusive across the whole business, it’s important that we don’t focus solely on these.

“We’ve received some fantastic support from local businesses who have donated prizes to our raffles and our cake sales are often of a ‘Bake Off’ standard!”

DIY SOS: The Big Build for Children in Need

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.

How it happened

Our managing director’s wife was listening to Zoe Ball on Radio 2 and heard an appeal that the DIY SOS team were desperately looking for a timber frame company to come on board for the Children in Need episode to help create a dedicated children’s bereavement centre in Derbyshire.

Initial discussions were had with the DIY SOS Assistant Producer to better understand what was required and we were put in contact with the lead Architect. It was clear from the outset that time was of the essence and it would need a huge amount of effort from the whole design team if the building was to be delivered on time.

We received the preliminary drawings within hours of making first contact and a costing exercise was carried out to establish the scope of the project.  Whilst we were committed to providing our expertise for the design and manufacture, it was clear we were going to need additional support from our supply chain to make it happen. After a couple of phone calls, it was all systems go and we threw ourselves into the project.

This required exceptional coordination between Lowfields and our design team, whilst issuing information for approval to two independent Project Architects, a Principal Engineer, the Client (Treetops) and the entire BBC Team. A project of this nature would normally take at least 12 weeks to undergo the design and engineering process. It wasn’t an overly complicated build, but it was the speed at which everything had to happen, whilst under the BBC spotlight, that was the pressure.

The team opted for a 140mm pre-insulated kit which achieved a U-value of 0.15W/m²K, which is far better than building regulation requirements. One challenge to overcome was that site access was extremely tight, but we managed to deliver the kit on rigid lorries resolving the issue.

Hodgkinson Builders were appointed the main contractor for the project and Managing Director Ian commented, “Lowfield Timber Frames designed, supplied and erected the timber frame for DIY SOS BIG BUILD supporting Children in Need at Risley. Such contributions from companies like Lowfield are what make these renovation projects a reality. By providing the necessary advice, materials, expert trades, they play an important role in improving the lives of families in need. Collaborative efforts like this demonstrate the positive impact that the business community can have on charitable initiatives, ultimately making a difference in the lives of those facing challenging circumstances.”

To erect the scheme in such a small window and ensure we did not over-run, we capitalised on off-site manufacture, prefabricating not just the wall panels, but including the roof cassettes and even suspended ceiling cassettes.  This enabled an erect window of 2 – 3 days, allowing a couple of days at the end of the week to snag and address any unforeseen problems, of which there weren’t any.

We loved working with the Treetops staff, they were all so appreciative of what we were doing for them. We don’t normally get so much praise for our work as it is often seen as the hidden element of a build.

Julie Heath, Chief Executive at Treetops Hospice:

“Our heartfelt thanks go to DIY SOS, BBC Children in Need, and all the tradespeople and volunteers who helped build us this beautiful children’s counselling and therapy centre. Your support and kindness has been truly overwhelming and you have built a lasting legacy for local bereaved children and young people.

“It’s incredible to see what was achieved in such a short space of time and it’s really beyond anything we could have imagined. Everything from the décor to the furnishings is just beautiful and it fits perfectly into the landscape here on site in Risley.

“Thank you, everyone, for giving us the best birthday gift during our 40^th anniversary year.”

The experience

Our advice to anyone wanting to take on a challenge like this is to expect last-minute changes but it is the most rewarding project you will work on and to meet all the young people whose lives you are changing is truly remarkable and a feeling that will stay with you for a very long time.

Darren Jarman, Managing Director at Lowfield Timber Frames commented:

“We have supported many community projects in the past, but nothing on this scale. We obviously only played a small part in making this happen, but the stories we have heard about the difference it’s going to make to the team at Treetops and the amazing people they are going to support has been truly overwhelming.  

For 2 weeks, it just becomes a surreal experience. You walk onto site and get chatting to Nick Knowles and the rest of the team. Gaby is introducing you to Zoe Ball. Chris, Billy, James and The Hod are orchestrating a hive of activity as TV cameras keep appearing around every corner. They are such a well-oiled team, and it was a pleasure to see how they all operate and just put you at ease.

Not only that, but it’s also the first time, and probably the last, that we will hand over a timber frame kit and get invited to the grand opening two weeks later!”

If you missed the episode you can catch up via the BBC iPlayer.

On the 12th and 13th of July, our MD Darren Jarman and Technical Co-ordinator James Roberts attended WoodBUILD 2023 in Lampeter. The conference and expo focused on trees, timber & the transition to zero carbon construction. The two-day event was packed with speakers, exhibitors and a series of plenary and parallel sessions. The aim of WoodBUILD was to inspire, create new business opportunities, offer a collaborative platform for all participants and to share information on current and future Welsh Government policies, and it most definitely delivered.

Darren was one of the speakers in the ‘Creating a manufacturing culture in housebuilding’ workshop, giving an insight into some of the Government funded projects we have been involved with and how these have paved the way in creating more timber frame, energy conscious projects within the construction industry.

Darren discussed that ‘As an independent manufacturer, we are some way down the supply chain and despite having a real appetite to innovate, without collaboration and the pipeline of work, it’s very difficult to bring new solutions to the market. At the top of the tree are the clients. They will have their own individual key requirements, be that cost, thermal performance, airtightness, space heating requirements and often familiarity of tech. Schemes are then sent out to tender and main contractors again have their own preferred methods of construction and will often stick with their tried and tested systems, unless there is a financial gain attached. This is why it is difficult for us to innovate without close collaboration with the whole supply chain.

In our opinion, encouraging a collaborative approach to innovation through the whole supply chain was one of the key successes to come out of the Welsh Governments Innovative Housing Programs. The scheme looked to support innovation in the broad context covering construction techniques, but also a delivery pathway. This approach forced many out of their comfort zone and encouraged closer collaboration with the manufacturers and the whole supply chain.’

It was great to be part of WoodBUILD 2023 and network with so many like-minded people throughout the industry, thank you to Woodknowledge Wales for organising the event.

Bluestone Lodges

Lowfield Timber Frames is proud to see the development at Bluestone reach a new milestone. The timber frame kits supplied ranged from wall panels to roof and floor cassettes, this resulted in the build taking less time than anticipated due to the speed of erecting such large off-site manufactured panels.

Sister company SJ Roberts Construction Ltd has handed over the first 50 of 80 luxury holiday lodges to Bluestone National Park Resorts Ltd in Narbeth, Pembrokeshire, marking the early completion of the first phase of the resort’s £24m investment programme.

The remaining lodges, all being brought forward by SJ Roberts, are due for completion by October of this year.

The platinum lodges are the resort’s most luxurious offering featuring sunrooms, a private entrance and 20 percent more space than the existing lodges.

Sustainability

In keeping with the resort’s eco-credentials, they have been constructed with sustainability in mind. SJ Roberts constructed the lodges with a sustainable approach utilising timber and heating via air source heat pumps.

Additionally, the paths which connect the lodges have been constructed utilising nappy recycling technology, which it said was ‘revolutionary’. Bluestone has become the first company in the world to utilise nappy recycling technology in the construction of infrastructure for its new range of Platinum Lodges, using 60,000 disposable nappies.

With an accumulation of up to half a million nappies at the resort each year, the Green Key accredited business decided to explore ways to recover the usable fibres from nappies and put them back into the resort as part of its commitment to a circular economy on site.

The ‘path project’ is the company’s latest innovation where recyclable materials from nappies are used to form the paths leading to its new £24m platinum lodge range.

Bluestone collaborated with Wales-based company Nappicycle, who are pioneering the technology.

The Project

The contract to deliver the luxury lodges was secured following a series of meetings and a recognition that there were significant synergies between both Bluestone and SJ Roberts.

Managing director of SJ Roberts Construction, Mike Sambrook, said: “The UK’s holiday industry has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years which shows no signs of abating. However, with this comes increased consumer demand in where they stay. Bluestone has recognised this in its most recent investment, and we’ve been honoured to deliver such a prestigious project for this hugely respected operator within the sector.”

During the duration of the contract approximately 100 local construction jobs will have been created, with many more expected over the long-term by Bluestone to manage the extended facilities.

Marten Lewis, director of sustainability at Bluestone, said:“The combination of SJ Roberts and Lowfield Timber Frames couldn’t have been a better option for Bluestone’s expansion. Our new platinum lodges not only exude the utmost in luxury, reflecting the quality and exemplary workmanship of the SJ Roberts team, but they do so with market-leading sustainability credentials.”

Darren Jarman, Managing Director at Lowfield’s commented, “Lowfield Timber Frames were happy to be working alongside our sister company SJ Roberts Construction on the Bluestone platinum lodges project. It was great to supply our high-quality sustainable timber frame kits to one of the most prestigious tourism sites in Wales. The finished project looks incredible, and we are proud to be a part of the journey.

Not only is timber a renewable and carbon-neutral material, but it also has the lowest CO2 impact of all building materials. Timber continuously absorbs CO2, reducing carbon footprint and environmental impact which makes it a highly sustainable product which was one of Bluestones key priorities for the project. Due to our panels being cut via high tech CNC machines, there is minimal waste in the manufacturing process.

There are many other benefits to using timber frame for a project like this, such as timber facilitates much faster construction than traditional materials. The weather did not present issues as factory-controlled prefabrication helps to avoid rain damage. The timber system was made watertight within days. One of the key benefits to using timber frame on this project was the speed of construction which highlights timber frame as an ideal material for innovative projects that must be completed to strict deadlines.”

To view other leisure and tourism projects completed by Lowfield Timber Frames visit our projects.

Passivhaus School – Lowfield Timber Frames is proud to see the school that was built by construction company Pave Aways win a major award.

Energy Efficient School

Size: 2754m2
U-value: 0.10
Air tightness: 0.21ach @50 pascals
System used: 390mm Larsen Truss with Warmcel Insulation

Lowfields supplied and erected the timber frame kit at the CIW primary school in Welshpool. The school was a large project built to Passivhaus certification.

Construction firm Pave Aways completed the main works to the pioneering Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School that meets the rigorous energy efficiency standards. Constructed around a sustainably sourced timber frame, it also has a heat recovery and ventilation system and solar panels on the roof to minimise running costs.

Powys County Council Website details the project below:

Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School, which opened its doors in January 2021, won the Value Award at the Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards 2023.

The awards ceremony, which are recognised across the Welsh built environment as the biggest and brightest celebration of best practice in Wales, took place last Friday (16 June) at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport.

The school building, which was built as part of the council’s Transforming Education Programme, had also been shortlisted in the Sustainability Award category.

The building, designed by Architype (Architects) and WSP (Engineering all Disciplines) and constructed by Pave Aways Ltd, is the first Passivhaus primary school built by the council and meets the rigorous energy efficient standards required for Passivhaus certification.

Constructed around a timber frame that was sustainably sourced in Wales, the school has a superior level of insulation and was built to be airtight. It also has a heat recovery and ventilation system and solar panels on the roof to minimise running costs.

The project was jointly funded by the Welsh Government, through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (formerly the 21st Century Schools Programme), and the council.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “I’m delighted that Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School has won this prestigious award at the Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards.

“This is a brilliant achievement and I would like to congratulate and thank everyone involved in the construction of this pioneering building, including the school itself and the Diocese of St Asaph, for this success.

“Not only is this a fantastic facility that allows learners and teaching staff to reach their potential but it has been built to the highest energy efficient standards which helps the county reduce its carbon footprint.”

This is one of many projects Lowfield Timber Frames have been involved in that are built to Passvhaus (Passive House) standards. With a focus on sustainability and low energy Lowfields continue to promote energy efficient builds.

Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry Presentation & Tour

On the 10^th of March we hosted the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee who were investigating for their inquiry on Sustainable Timber and Deforestation. It was a pleasure to show them around our factory, enabling them to see the manufacturing process and how the timber is used.

The inquiry is to examine the sustainability of timber in the UK and the UK’s contribution to global deforestation. The inquiry will investigate how the UK, which imports most of its timber, can best scale up a sustainable, resilient domestic timber sector and reduce its reliance on imports. In addition, the inquiry will examine the degree to which UK supply chains contribute to deforestation overseas and the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to curb this. Consideration will also be given to how the UK works with international partners to tackle deforestation.

Darren Jarman, Managing Director at Lowfield said “It was a pleasure to the show the EOC around our operation and, as well as showcasing some of the exciting Net Zero projects we are involved with, highlight some of the challenges faced in sector.”

Lowfield Timber Frames provided the delegates with a presentation and a tour of their manufacturing facility to support the inquiry. The presentation demonstrated the current issues facing the timber frame industry which relies on high quality timber but also understands the importance of sustainability. They also suggested recommendations for the inquiry to look at including an emphasis on policies to reduce embodied carbon within the construction industry. The presentation was then later used as written evidence to the inquiry which you can read the full report here.

Environmental Audit Committee Chair, Rt Hon Philip Dunne & MP for Ludlow, said:

“It was a pleasure to visit Lowfield Timber Frames recently with colleagues on the Environmental Audit Committee. In Net Zero Britain, we must consider all alternative building materials as our built environment contributes a quarter of all UK greenhouse gas emissions: and timber framed buildings will be part of the solution. It’s encouraging to see thriving local companies – like Lowfield Timber Frames – leading the way in developing and delivering net zero construction.”

You can read more about the inquiry and other submitted evidence here.

Supporting Local Mental Health Charity

The brief – Activity for a raised bed workshop

The Community Garden Group at Welshpool Ponthafren, having previously built a large bug hotel, wanted to enhance the area by building raised beds to grow herbs and edible flowers that would help attract insects, pollinators and reptiles to the garden.

Tir Coed kindly provided a tutor who facilitated the day, imparting his knowledge, expertise and time to assist the group in making the raised beds.

Morrisons Community Connector also attended the day and kindly donated plants, seeds & compost for the community garden, along with joining in with the building of the raised beds.

Lowfield Timber Frames Ltd donated the timber, for which they were very grateful for as this enabled the workshop to go ahead. Although most of the timber was used there is enough left over for another smaller project to be completed.

Powis Castle National Trust kindly provided an area for the Community Garden Group and whilst they were happy for Ponthafren to use this area to grow vegetables and flowers, they are also very supportive and happy to provide both knowledge and practical help if needed.

Members of the Community Garden Group will gain a feeling of accomplishment and pride when they can see the fruits of their labour, they also value the support they receive from each other, which in turn helps with their mental health and well-being needs.

All involved enjoyed having a project that not only enhances what they are doing at the garden but also helps with team building and cohesiveness of the group. The group hope to undertake more projects over the coming months as the garden develops to enhance their environment and welcome new members to the group each week.

A fantastic project to support. We look forward to seeing the progress of the garden. Read the full story in the press.

#ToHelpMyAnxiety

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

**June Update**

Congratulations for winning the RHS Primary School Gardening Team of the Year 2023 UK Champions! From all of the team at Lowfield Timber Frames. We welcome good news stories and being able to support local organisations. The article can be read here.

April 21st 2023 – Lowfield Timber Frames have been supporting the pupils at Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School since September 2022. They approached us with a request to use any off-cuts of timber we may have to enable the pupils to build an outdoor area at their school. Since then they have kept us updated with all their great projects with links to their website and photographs.

Today the school contacted us with more updates and the exciting news below:

“I’ve received this exciting email off the Royal Horticultural Society today ?. I entered the RHS School Gardening Team of the Year 2023 competition a few weeks ago, in recognition of the hard work the children have put into helping establish our outdoor spaces. I am very pleased to announce we have reached the top 10 finalists for the competition nationally! We now have to send in a video to show off our lovely achievements to a celebrity gardening panel for the final round of judging. Two winners will be chosen from the shortlist of ten and notified towards the end of May. Whether we do get one of the two top spots or not, to have reached this far is a massive achievement for our school and I just want to say thank you so much for your help and support with our projects. It really is much appreciated, and we are so glad you have helped us on our journey and adventures so far,

Thank you and best wishes”

Just a couple of examples of the work they have been doing can be seen here:

Making a Lumber Horse April 2023 – Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School

Building Benches April 2023 – Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School

They have set up a just giving page to help them further in buying more tools for their hard work:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/siralexanderflemingprimaryschooloutdoorlearningappeal?utm_term=RYEJz3gXw

Welshpool 10k Success!!

Well done to everyone who ran the Welshpool 10k on the 26th of March, it was a great morning! We were proud to be headline sponsors alongside our sister company SJ Roberts Construction Ltd.

Congratulations to local runner Andrew Davies who crossed the line first!

This year, we are continuing our fundraising efforts by participating in Adrenaline Sporting Events to raise money for Ponthafren, a charity aiming to provide a caring community, offering support to those in need by promoting positive mental health and well-being for all.

If you would like to donate, please visit our donation page.