Sustainable Construction with Ty Pren
What Was The Brief
Ty Pren were contracted to construct the frame for an eco build- a large community space with a dining area, conference space, and bunkhouse- at Fordhall Farm. The first community owned farm in the UK. The farm was purchased by the community following a high profile campaign in 2006. At the time over 8,000 people across the world supported siblings Charlotte and Ben Hollins to save their family home. Now owned by the community and farmed by Ben Hollins, Fordhall is a leading example of community spirit and real organic farming.
How Was Our Design?
The bunkhouse at Fordhall Farm was the largest building we have ever designed. It consisted of 7 bents and a full length veranda. The building was constructed around large 8m trusses.
What Were The Project Challenges?
This was the first time we worked on a project under the inland revenue’s Construction Industry Scheme. This put extra admin on our desks. We were subcontracted to build the timber frame by the Traditional Skills Building Company. We were also working alongside other skilled trades people, such as the straw bail building company Huff and Puff. Erecting the frame itself was also a challenge. We only had a team of 3 to erect the frame over 5 days. Fortunately there was a telehandler on site- to allow the framework to be erected more rapidly. It was the first frame built in our bespoke workshop in our Ceredigion larch woodland.What did our clients think?
We received excellent feedback on from our clients on this project. The bunkhouse is loved by all who stay there. In all this project show Shows the the immense potential and cost effectiveness of roundwood timber frame construction. Our budget for this this project was 33K. The next cheapest tender used square frame timber, and would have cost 70K. That is some saving! To discuss your eco build and timber frame construction contact Ty Pren today.
