CRASH Project: The Pilsdon Community, Dorset

Set in the heart of Dorset, CRASH has been supporting The Pilsdon Community, a working farm and refuge, for some years. Homeless people come to the community from all walks of life, always at a time of crisis, recovering from family breakdown, mental illness, addiction or coping with bereavement.

The need

Pilsdon consists of a house and a courtyard of farm buildings including a recently renovated barn which offers accommodation for homeless people. This was Phase I of their redevelopment plans to mark their 50th anniversary.

Phase II, otherwise known as ‘The Loose Boxes’, involved converting an existing stable block into short-term accommodation for people who have been sleeping rough.

The solution

The works included the demolition of the dilapidated timber ‘loose boxes’, removal and reinstatement of ground floor slab, introduction of new drainage, erection of a new timber frame and roof structure clad with timber weatherboard and natural slate to allow occupation of half of the new building by farm animals prior to Christmas 2013.

Due to the unique nature of Pilsdon, all contractors needed to be technically competent and environmentally aware, as well as understanding and compassionate of those living in the community who would be working alongside them.

How patrons helped

CRASH patron EC Harris led the project and undertook a huge amount of work on a completely pro bono basis as well as making a £15,000 donation towards the funding as the company’s Legacy Project.

EC Harris Project Manager Scott Moore said: “This was an important Legacy Project for EC Harris which aimed to demonstrate our commitment to our community and showcase the positive outcomes that EC Harris and the project teams we work with can deliver. We did this through creating an exceptional project team, full of generous individuals, who worked brilliantly together towards the common goal of restoring the Community’s faith in the construction industry.”

Working alongside them was fellow CRASH patron BAM Construction which was appointed as the main contractor for this phase and successfully engaged its supply chain to procure materials and labour free of charge or at greatly reduced rates. BAM and EC Harris also introduced Arup and NVB Architects to support the project design, both companies assisting the charity by considerably reducing their professional fees for a project of this scale.

The works to the second half of the new building, completed at the end of March 2014, included the fit-out of the six accommodation units, a food preparation room and multi-purpose activity room. Many of the materials and labour have been sourced locally to the site in addition to a number of CRASH patrons, BAM’s loyal sub-contractors and other supporting companies who have been willing to commit their specialist expertise and resources to the project.

“There is a huge sense of satisfaction watching the new building emerge from the old; keeping its character but with a new practical purpose” says Nick Goff, Construction Director of BAM. “Working within the Community has been a very humbling experience, and we have been delighted by the generosity of our fellow CRASH patron companies, our supply-chain and BAM Plant in assisting with this worthwhile project”.

“This was a unique, exciting project and one that enthused all those involved from the outset,” said CRASH Chief Executive Francesca Roberts. “As the industry charity, CRASH encourages companies to get directly involved in helping homelessness projects like The Pilsdon Community that ask us for assistance.”

Francesca concluded: “This project is a perfect example of what the construction industry can do working in partnership with their charity CRASH and shows the sector at its very best. It has been a pleasure privilege and honour to work with EC Harris, BAM, our patrons and all companies who have helped on this project.”

Pro-bono professional expertise from CRASH Patron EC Harris, free materials from CRASH Patrons Akzonobel Dulux Trade, Areen Design, British Gypsum, Knauf Insulation and key supporters Altro Flooring, Ideal Standard and IKO Plc.

Significantly discounted professional expertise and materials were also generously provided by CRASH Patrons BAM Construction and Hanson and supporters including NVB Architects, Arup and Bradfords.

A cash grant of more than £30,000 was award by CRASH which included the £15,000 from EC Harris as their Legacy Project.

“In the region of £200,000 has been provided by CRASH and its Patrons in the form of materials, discounts, labour and cash,” said Dilys Hunt Pilsdon Community Trust.