Scotframe helps to transform lives for young care leavers with Barnardo’s Gap Homes.
The number of young people leaving care facing homelessness is increasing year upon year, with a rise of 33% since 2018, according to UK Government research.[1] This shocking statistic sees many young care leavers sofa surfing or living on the streets.
Scotframe were pleased to be one of the partners supporting the project, providing Valutherm+ Timber Frame Kits to the latest Barnardo’s Gap Homes project in Stirling. Thanks to the use of off-site construction, the installation was completed in half the time allocated.
Involvement in the project comes from the wider Saint-Gobain partnership, as we work together to deliver affordable housing to those who need it most.
Providing safe housing with Barnardo’s
The Gap Homes programme was born out of Barnardo’s response to the growing challenges young care leavers face when trying to secure suitable housing. With the current housing crisis, finding suitable accommodation is challenging, and many face the risk of homelessness due to unsuitable housing options.
This project aimed to create something better; namely homes where young people can focus on their future without worrying about their living situation.
Each Gap Home project includes a staff unit, ensuring that support is always available. This continuous presence helps foster a sense of security and stability for the young residents, allowing them to adapt to independent living at their own pace. Scotframe and the wider Saint-Gobain organisation’s focus on providing affordable, quality social housing aligns perfectly with the programme’s goals, ensuring that these homes serve as a foundation for young people to build brighter, more secure futures.
Creating comfortable homes
Barnardo’s had previously felt the benefit of working with Scotframe, having utilised our expertise on a project in Clydebank. Wanting to expand the number of Gap Homes in Scotland, Barnardo’s approached us again to work on their project in Stirling.
Scotframe were involved from day one of the project, with a dedicated Business Development Manager working with the principal designer to find efficiencies that improved affordability and buildability.
Valutherm+, a closed panel timber frame solution, was selected for the structure of the five homes. Its factory-fitted insulation and ‘fabric first approach’ prioritises energy efficiency and provides excellent thermal performance to keep the homes’ new residents comfortable year-round.
The Gap Homes project also benefitted from Scotframe’s expertise through installation. Having recently brought the installation of the Timber Frame Kits in-house, our in-house installation management team coordinated with a team of subcontractors to ensure the units in Stirling were completed to schedule.
They were given a four-week window to complete the installation, but, thanks to the use of off-site construction, all five kits were installed in just two weeks, with the contractor commenting that Scotframe’s timber frame Valutherm+ kits were one of the best systems they’d seen.
In total, Scotframe provided Timber Frame Kits with Valutherm+ to five units – four Gap Homes with individual apartments for care leavers and one unit serving as an on-site staff facility.
Supporting the Gap Homes mission
By providing high-quality housing and crucial support, Saint-Gobain, Scotframe and Barnardo’s are working together to give care-experienced young people the best possible start as they enter adulthood, empowering them with the life skills and stability they need to thrive.
The Stirling development is part of a broader national programme, with existing Gap Homes in Renfrewshire and Essex, and plans for more to follow. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the critical housing shortage faced by young care leavers, providing a foundation for their future success and stability.
By offering Timber Frame Kits to developments like this, Scotframe are making it easier for organisations to pursue their mission and build more higher quality, efficient homes faster.
Testimonials
Neil McLean, Business Development Manager (Scotland) who led the project, said: “We are very proud to have assisted with the delivery of these homes. Having been in discussions for a lengthy period with GAP on their requirements, it is rewarding to see all their hard work, passion and patience come to fruition.
“The Scotframe team as whole came together superbly on this and were able to offer support and guidance with all design, delivery and installation aspects. Without the team working together as one, it wouldn’t have gone as smoothly as the project did.
“Being able to see the project develop through the phases to completion is fantastic and allows all team members to see where their hard work goes to in the end. Thank you to all at Scotframe along with all the other key stakeholders.”
To find out more about how Scotframe can support your project, please contact our team.