Mill Adventure Base is a purpose-built urban adventure centre at Kings Mill Reservoir in Sutton in Ashfield, run by Nottinghamshire County Council. It offers outdoor activities to school children and community groups – from archery and climbing to sailing and biking.

We were asked to assess and repair damp around one of the buildings and fit attractive cedar cladding across the site, capturing the character of the centre. We also knew The Mill hoped to replace its external lighting in the near future, so we brought that work forward and completed it at the same time, minimising disruption.

We began work on site in July 2017, addressing the damp issues and fitting the cedar cladding. This involved carefully removing and then reinstalling external fixtures like flagpoles, air conditioning units and solar panels to allow the work to take place.

At the same time, we replaced the dated outside lighting with high-efficiency LED fixtures that were more durable, sustainable and cost-effective to run.

We always take a flexible approach, looking to recommend further improvements where we can. On this project, we suggested that fire-rated, external insulation materials could be added to improve the thermal properties of the building, with the aim of reducing running costs. The Council agreed and this was built into the scope of the project.

The striking cedar cladding and energy-efficient insulation solved The Mill’s damp issues and made a real difference to the look and feel of the centre. The improved building is now an attractive space with real presence that’s true to the adventurous spirit of the base. Over time, the cedar will weather naturally and fit beautifully within the centre’s surroundings.

Throughout the project, we built a really positive relationship with the client and the centre’s management team, keeping everyone up to date on our progress. We also exceeded their expectations by going beyond the original brief to fit new lighting in a different area.

Thanks to this close collaboration – and careful project planning – the centre was able to run as normal all the way through the work, with visitors still enjoying all of its activities.

We completed the £340,000 works at The Mill Adventure Base in October 2017, leaving the centre with a beautiful, newly clad building that sits perfectly in its surroundings.

It’s now a more comfortable, durable, attractive place for visitors’ adventures with energy-efficient insulation and lighting.