LARKFLEET DONATES MODEL HOME TO NEW COLLEGE STAMFORD

The Larkfleet Group of Companies has donated a new model house to New College Stamford as part of its continuing programme of support for the local community.

The scale model of a typical timber-framed house built by Larkfleet Homes can be taken apart and re-assembled working to a set of drawings which Larkfleet has also supplied.

A similar model was recently donated to students at Greater Peterborough UTC (GPUTC). Larkfleet is one of the main sponsors of GPUTC and takes a great interest in the college and its students.

The model house, built and designed by Karl Barfoot of Kestrel Timber Frame, has proved extremely popular with students studying built environment courses at GPUTC. Now the second generation of the model will be enjoyed by students studying construction courses at New College Stamford.

Larkfleet Homes joint managing director Helen Hick said: “It was a great pleasure to hand over the model house to New College Stamford and further strengthen our links with the college.

“At Larkfleet we believe it is vital to invest in the future of young people, especially those interested in a career in construction. The model house is just one more way in which we are supporting the next generation of construction professionals.”

Karl Barfoot said: “I’ve enjoyed collaborating with the college. It’s great to give something back and teach a new generation of construction workers with our model houses.”

Receiving the model house at an official presentation was Janet Meenaghan, the principal at New College Stamford, and Richard Brickwood, head of construction at the college.

Janet Meenaghan, the principal at New College Stamford said: “New College Stamford greatly values its long-standing and positive relationship with Larkfleet Homes. 

“Our students already benefit in many ways from the partnership, from apprenticeship training and work experience opportunities to site visits. 

“We are delighted to receive Larkfleet’s gift of a scale model timber-framed house, designed and built to the latest, environmentally-friendly specifications. 

“The model house is accompanied by a set of blueprints which will enable our students to take it apart and reassemble it. It will be a valuable addition to their learning programmes at college.”

The model will also be used to make some practical points about communications. In one test using the house the plans are held by one group of students in one room and the model is with another group in a separate room. One student from the planning group has to carry instructions to the construction group in a time trial to see which team of students can correctly build the house most quickly.

New College Stamford offers a range of courses in different construction skills including brickwork, carpentry, electrical and plumbing in its new £3.5 million CITB-approved Construction Skills Centre. Visit  for more information.