DIY SOS: The Big Build Stoke
Background
The Herschel team is proud to have donated infrared heaters to previous Big Build causes of DIY SOS and had the pleasure of doing so again when the fabulous DIY SOS team got in contact about a transformation project in Stoke. DIY SOS The Big Build in Stoke involved the transformation of a local green space, which is managed by members of the charity ‘The Sylvester Community Trust’. In order to improve the health and education of the community in Fegg Hayes, which struggles with food poverty and deprivation, the Charity had the idea of converting wasteland into a multi-functional space that could encourage community engagement, health-related activities and education.
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The transformation project was led with the objective of ensuring all construction and ongoing use of the green space is done so sustainably, by prioritising the use of environmentally-friendly methods and products. The project team wanted to consider the carbon footprint of the project and ways in which this can be offset. The team reused 6 shipping containers to create two sheds, and solar panels were installed for renewable power generation. Efficient electric heating was a priority for the space, and Herschel is delighted to have supported the project by donating £4k in value of infrared heating panels and thermostats.
The first shed has a kitchen/teaching space, an office and a toilet; the second shed is used as a Men’s Shed, an area specifically focused on supporting men’s health and wellbeing.
Solution
Select XLS white panel heaters, controlled by mains-powered MD2 thermostats, have been installed for the Big Build project in Stoke. The heaters have been ceiling-mounted to maximise space for occupiers. The DIY SOS designer, Sian Astley, was looking for a seamless look and feel to the indoor spaces, and so the choice was made to colour-match the panels to the green paintwork, allowing the super-slim solution to blend in with the interior. This has been done using a heat-resistant paint colour that is matched to the RAL green specified for the ceiling.
The Office space is 5m x 2.5m and has been heated by one Select XLS 800W white panel. The kitchen/teaching space is 6m x 5m and is heated by four Select XLS 600W white panels. The WC is heated by one Select XLS 600W panel. The second shed, used as the Men’s Shed, is heated by four Select XLS 600W white panels. There is one MD2 hard-wired room thermostat in each space.
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The Build took place in February 2022, and the episode, which aired on 7 June 2022, can be viewed on BBC iPlayer. It was a fantastic project to be involved in; the DIY SOS team and all the brilliant volunteers managed to complete the build on time despite two major storms. The completed site includes both indoor facilities and a beautifully landscaped outdoor area, which includes planters for home-grown food plus an amphitheatre for the Fegg Hayes-based Sylvester Community Trust.
We were delighted to be invited to the Big Reveal. Our Business Development Manager, Adam, went along to meet the team and see the fantastic reaction from the community to the Build.
“And there are your heaters 💚 Disguised, admittedly, but there making sure everyone keeps toasty in winter, fuelled by the solar panels on the roof! Has anyone ever painted them green before?! 😆” – Sian Astley, Designer @makeitmoregeous
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“It is fantastic to hear that the site is being used daily by the community, allowing people experiencing isolation to meet others. The waste ground has been transformed by the DIY SOS team and to see how it is now being enjoyed by all ages in the community is brilliant, we are delighted to have donated our heaters to help in the delivery of a warm and cosy community space for the charity.” – Adam Broadbent, Herschel Business Development Manager
We were thrilled that our heaters were chosen for another project that focused on men’s wellbeing, this one directly through ‘The Men’s Shed’ charity. Their case study can be seen here. The Men’s Shed charity contacted us after the installation to share feedback as they were so pleased with how the heating was working for this particular branch.
Previous DIY SOS projects that Herschel has been involved in can be seen here and here.
