How we dramatically improved the energy efficiency of 27 occupied military homes
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:
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External wall insulation
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New roofs
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New windows and doors
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Upgrades to boilers, extractor fans and mechanical and electrical works
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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."
PAH Building & Construction joins forces with Basingstoke College of Technology to address the construction skills gap
Hampshire based construction firm, PAH Building & Construction has announced a partnership with Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), to provide its construction students with interactive site visits across the southeast as well as work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.
BCoT, which has over 325 construction students, provides industry-standard teaching and workshops for its students, and offers a newly launched Green Energy Centre to help students learn about the latest renewable energy technologies and solutions in retrofit projects.
Its courses include plumbing, carpentry and joinery, electrical installation and construction multi-skills, combining college-based learning with on-site training from experts in the field. BCoT provides students with pathways into a wide range of industry careers, such as painting and decorating, interior design, and project management alongside carpentry, joinery and plumbing.
Working with PAH Building & Construction, the educational site visits will enable students to see a range of sustainable refurbishment projects first hand, as well as insurance projects of homes that have been severely affected by fires, floods and escapes of water.
With over 250,000 extra construction workers needed to meet demand by 2028[1], PAH Building & Construction is committed to working with the next generation to showcase the wide array of opportunities and roles available in the industry.
Founded in 2010, PAH Building and Construction specialises in residential retrofit projects, bespoke new build projects and complex insurance remediation across the UK.
Trevor Wilkins, Director at PAH Building & Construction said: “The quality of the college’s impressive facilities and curriculum is clear to see, and we are proud to be working together to show its students just how many opportunities are available to them in the industry. With a severe skills gap in the industry, it is critically important that we nurture the next generation of talent and encourage as many people as possible to explore pathways into the sector. We look forward to working closely with the college and its students to offer hands on experience in refurbishment and insurance works.”
Steve Gilder, Head of Construction at BCoT said: "We are thrilled to partner with PAH Building & Construction to provide our construction students with invaluable real-world experience. This collaboration will not only enhance their learning but also equip them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the construction industry. By exposing our students to a diverse range of projects, including sustainable refurbishment and insurance remediation, we are empowering them to make a positive impact on the built environment. We are grateful for PAH's commitment to nurturing young talent and look forward to a fruitful partnership."
[1] CITB – CSN Industry Outlook 2024-2028