Client Amey is working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to retrofit and refurbish service family homes across the UK. We won a tender to upgrade 27 homes at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire – the largest British Army base in the world – and make them more efficient for the families living in them.

The details

Overview: External refurbishment for 27 service family homes

Location: Catterick, North Yorkshire

Timescale: 12 months

Works included:

  • External wall insulation

  • New roofs

  • New windows and doors

  • Upgrades to boilers, extractor fans and mechanical and electrical works

  • Bat and swift boxes, bee bricks and hedgehog highways to help protect local wildlife.

The people

Putting the families first

Undoubtedly, the biggest challenge was looking after the 27 service families. We needed access eight or nine times per property, in a sequence that fitted our programme, the occupiers’ availability AND the British weather. Our Family Liaison Officer, Kieran Roberts, and Site Manager, Mike Westwood, did a sterling job of communicating the schedule, letting people know when we needed access or to adjust schedules, working round the families’ needs and keeping everyone happy. 

Supporting our client’s other service families

Chris and Caroline from our team joined Amey’s ‘Move You In Pack’ packing day, to pull together eco-friendly hampers for service families moving into new homes at Catterick. 

Although not for the families in the homes we worked on, our projects are often a team effort, and we loved being able to support our clients and help welcome new service families into the community.

The challenges

Protecting the bats

An initial ecological survey found bats at one property. But as we began removing roofs, our team found signs of bats in another 12. It triggered a 9-week delay while we worked with the ecologist to protect the bats and get a bat license in place. To ensure safe access if the bats chose to return, we lifted the leadwork 20mm, and used ridge tiles and bat-friendly felt.

The weather

Replacing roofs and rendering over external wall insulation needs dry weather. We planned a flexible schedule from the start. With our render contractor vigilantly checking 6 different weather apps a day, we were able to plan around breaks in the weather and keep everything running relatively smoothly. 

The impact

Warmer homes, lower bills, happy occupiers and a happy client – all delivered with minimum fuss.

 

Lee Burnage, Billable Works Manager RAMS North, Amey

“We are extremely satisfied with both PAH and the outcome. The service was professional from the start, progress and communication were well managed throughout, and this showed in the quality of the work as the project progressed. Chris Baldwin and Mike Westwood in particular did an outstanding job and are a credit to PAH. I would definitely use PAH in the future.”

Karen Homer (MCIPR), Communications Manager Defence

“Well done to everyone involved! These homes not only look great but will significantly improve the quality of life for local Service families, providing them with more efficient and comfortable living spaces.

Love the addition of the swift boxes, bee bricks, and bat boxes that enhance local biodiversity and represent a shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Move You In Pack project, when we will continue our support to service families.”