LARKFLEET TO CONSTRUCT SUSTAINABLE ‘HEMCRETE’ ACTIVITY ROOM FOR SALVATION ARMY
Bourne-based Larkfleet Homes (www.larkfleethomes.co.uk), part of the Larkfleet Group (www.larkfleetgroup.co.uk), is to give The Salvation Army in Bourne some much needed additional space by constructing a new activity room using ‘hemcrete’ and other sustainable building methods.
The Salvation Army initially approached Larkfleet to ask whether the firm would donate some concrete for an additional building but Larkfleet said it could do even better and help the organisation create an economical building that would reduce running costs. Larkfleet will now construct an eight metre by four metre activity room out of ‘hemcrete’.
Hemcrete is a blend of hemp (grown locally in Norfolk) and lime mortar and is a highly sustainable insulating construction product.
It has excellent thermal and acoustic properties as well as creating a healthy and comfortable living and working environment.
The charity and church – whose Bourne base is on Manning Road – is excited about the new project which will be built on the site of an old portable building.
Major Richard Durrant commented: “This new project will enhance our local community and youth work considerably and we are looking forward to seeing its completion.”
The new activities room to be built by Larkfleet will provide a place for young people to take part in activities, games and workshops. It is also envisaged the new building will be used for other local community activities.
The activities room will be built using timber frame construction which is an efficient method of building that allows for quicker construction times. Timber frames for the building will be supplied and erected by Larkfleet Group company Kestrel Timber Frame (www.kestreltimberframe.co.uk), based in nearby Market Deeping, Lincolnshire.
Karl Hick, managing director for Larkfleet Homes, commented: “This is a very exciting project for Larkfleet Group to be involved in. We are always looking to further our experience and knowledge about new sustainable materials. Hemcrete is a revolutionary construction material that can deliver energy efficient and sustainable buildings and it may soon become widely used.
“I look forward to working with The Salvation Army on this project and I am sure the finished activity room will serve its need well.”
The construction of the activity room is due to be completed by the end of September.
The Salvation Army is grateful to the Len Pick Trust and the late Peter Brutnell who are contributing to the cost of construction.
Larkfleet Homes has an excellent reputation in the East Midlands and East Anglia as a sustainable builder and developer. Many of Larkfleet Homes’ properties are built to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 ahead of statutory requirements – some 25 per cent above the current minimum standards for energy efficiency. The company continues to innovate to ensure that it is at the forefront of energy efficient building and development.