“Huff and Puff built our dream!

Sherborne ArtsLink and Youth Centre shared a dream to build a tranquil, inside-outside space which could be used for therapeutic, creative and community activities. We wanted to use sustainable building practices, incorporate artistic elements made by young people, involve the community in the building process and make a beautiful building.

This was a considerable list of needs for any building project, but Phil from Huff and Puff embraced our ideas and, due to his specialism in sustainable straw bale buildings, was perfectly placed to take up the challenge.

Huff and Puff was the ideal company to work together with us on this project – Phil translated our ideas into a design, encouraged and supported community involvement, was generous in sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm, was flexible and responsive to ideas and was totally committed to building a space which was appropriate to its environment and fit for its purpose.

We would recommend Huff and Puff Construction to anyone who wants to build the sustainable way. Phil is not just a builder, but also an educator, who advocates for sustainable practices and has the skill of being able to work with people of all ages, including young people.

We are absolutely delighted with our Art Cabin roundhouse and welcome anyone to come along and take a look.”

Jennie Loader
TakepArt Community Arts Coordinator Sherborne ArtsLink

We originally chose to work with Huff and Puff Construction as we felt instantly that they would be able to translate our vision of the building into a reality. Equally important to us were the shared values they held, and their approach to a community build and community ownership.

Phil worked along side us, and his approachable manner meant that he could get to know us in more depth and use this to inform how he would translate our wishes into a physical space. Huff and Puff were able to work alongside other people such as our stained glass artist, and incorporate young peoples ideas into the build. Phil’s flexible approach meant that we were able to try out different ideas, and at all times, we felt we were included in all of the decision making.

As well as the physical build, Huff and Puff were very keen to educate the community and share practical teachings of construction. Overall, the experience for the community and ourselves of working alongside Huff and Puff has been fun, educational, rewarding and left us all with a huge sense of achievement.

Rachel Fraiz-Brown
Sherborne Art Cabin Project Team, Sherborne Area Youth Worker and Sherborne Youth and Community Centre Manager
Dorset County Council

Mr Christopher was always prompt, discussed fully the way we would like the work done and did an extremely good job, keeping to the plan and keeping us in the picture at every stage. He was polite and courteous and we would definitely employ him again and would not hesitate to recommend him.

Mr & Mrs C
Yeovil