Who’s on site?
Meet the people bringing our ongoing sustainable retrofit project to life…
GUY - multi-trade
Following a slightly unusual route into ecological construction, Guy completed a degree in Politics before working with hot air balloons. He then moved into self-employment as a handyman. After completing an apprenticeship building straw bale houses, Guy was introduced to Hawkland through the natural building circuit.
During his time working with Hawkland, Guy has enjoyed the high standard of work Hawkland achieves. He also values the on-site culture and its people.
“This is definitely not your average construction site… it’s a much more supportive place.”
Guy is passionate about sustainability and ecological construction because he doesn’t want to compromise the needs of future generations. He says, “I want to make sure my kids have the same opportunities that we do.”
Beyond Hawkland, Guy enjoys “making stuff,” birdwatching, and generally pursuing an active lifestyle. He is an advocate for active travel, chairing a walking and cycling group in Bath.
NATHAN - plasterer
Nathan began studying civil engineering at university before moving to Brazil, where he worked in natural building, design and permaculture. He then moved to Portugal where he lived until 2021. When the COVID 19 pandemic began, Nathan moved back to the UK where he got in touch with Hawkland. He has been living in Bristol ever since.
Nathan values the supportive and encouraging work culture that is fostered on the Hawkland sites. He also appreciates Hawkland’s integration of sustainable materials into the conventional construction scene.
“I think that, realistically, thats how we make a difference, because not everyone wants the stereotypical natural building home. Finding the balance between both worlds is important.”
Nathan is interested in sustainability within ecological construction because he views a sustainable existence as the only logical option, saying, “it makes sense for me in terms of how we interact with the world around us… its our responsibility to exist (sustainably) on this planet.”
In his spare time, Nathan is a keen climber. He also enjoys hiking, camping, and dancing.
TOM - multi-trade / electrician
Tom’s career journey includes a little bit of everything. At 21, he began doing all kinds of maintenance and repair. He then created his own painting and decorating business in Manchester focused on student homes, and eventually started renovating them. Tom has since trained as an electrician, a solar panel fitter, a kitchen fitter and a builder.
“I have no idea what my job title is… a problem-solver by nature, probably.”
Tom began working with Hawkland six months ago, intrigued by the innovative materials used in each project. He is now working as a site-manager.
During his time with Hawkland, Tom has enjoyed the conversation on site, saying “compared to other construction sites, it’s very different. At Hawkland, you could be talking about anything, whether thats robotics, ethics or religious standpoints.” He also values the level of care and detail that goes into every Hawkland project - “people genuinely want to do it right.”
Tom is passionate about sustainability within the construction industry because he feels his work makes a difference, putting in place structures that will continue to exist for a lifetime and will reduce carbon emissions.
“I think you have to be interested about sustainability… We’re trying not to burn the planet down.”
A self-professed adventurer, Tom enjoys mountain climbing, hiking, building and, most importantly, spending time with his dog.
SAM - Electrician
Sam began his career with Hawkland via a network of similar minded individuals interested in ecological construction, retrofit and sustainability. He felt that Hawkland was a cohesive organisation that he wanted to be part of, especially because of its inclusive purpose and values. He started working with the company as a self-employed electrician, staying for over six years, and is now the second site manager.
Sam values Hawkland’s working culture, referencing in particular its inclusive atmosphere in which everyone is welcome. He has also enjoyed working with lots of different materials that he hadn’t encountered before, and the process of finding alternative solutions to common problems - such as Hawkland’s hemp systems.
“Hawkland is really trying to make a difference and they are doing it in a way that, with the right mindset, means you can get involved at any level.”
Sam believes “we have to find ways of solving the housing crisis with materials that have been sustainably produced, like hemp - we can’t just plasticise everything.” Sam describes his time at Hawkland as a great opportunity to see alternative ways of working.
Sam will soon be taking the next step in his career journey, and hopes to restart as a self-employed electrician while continuing to use the Hawkland network to push alternative, sustainable systems such as decentralised MVHRS and hemp. Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with his children and doing the things that they enjoy, listening to music (Taylor Swift in particular), playing video games, exploring the outdoors and reading. We wish Sam every luck in the future.
GREG - Carpenter
Greg entered the construction industry as a labourer. It was during this time that he developed an interest in solar engineering. After completing a carpentry course at college, Greg continued to pursue his interest in sustainable construction and low-carbon Passivhaus and eventually joined Hawkland. He has been working with the team for two years.
Greg values the problem-solving aspect of the job the most, especially seeing a project through from start to finish. In addition, he enjoys the active and stimulating culture on-site with Hawkland.
Greg sees ecological construction as a new and necessary challenge for himself and the UK construction industry. In his spare time, he trains jiu jitsu and makes music.
If you’re interested in what we do at Hawkland, book a free discovery session via our website to find out more.