Feedback
(HHP:A Practical case study of sustainability)
I had a thoroughly enjoyable day at Hockerton and felt I learned a lot in what I thought was a wonderful model for ecological and sustainable living. I was very impressed with everything I saw, from the simplicity of the construction of the homes, and the amount of light projected through the conservatory area to the back of the homes, to the use of the solar and wind powered technology used for the energy supply for the homes, and the water supply and 'waste' management system. Compared with other conferences, seminars and visits I have undertaken in the course of my studies for my qualification, it has been the most enjoyable, interesting and informative, so on that basis I must say it has been the best value for money, as in the past I have paid more for less. (David Spooner, Registration Executive, Lytham Land Registry, September 08)
Thank you for a very interesting and educational day yesterday. As with all these things, you can read about them, but there is nothing like seeing and feeling it all working, I believe it facilitate a far greater understanding. I found the whole day informative and thoroughly enjoyable. (Louise Cooper, LMC-Architect, April 08)
"I consider the day was excellent value for money and very useful. It was interesting to meet such enthusiastic and knowledgeable speakers." (Jane McKevitt, M" Building Consultants, Feb 08)
"I found it all very useful and the day was managed with pride, confidence and professionalism - I think its great what you guys have done I would like to visit again. Really really impressed." (Senior Environmental Scientist, Wardell Armstrong LLP, Nov 07)
"My main reason for visiting was that it's easy for us industrialists and academics to sit behind our desks pontificating on low-energy housing,but to visit the people who have actually DONE it is invariably refreshing,and is always a good thing to do as a 'professional sanity check'". (Dr Neil Cutland, Executive Director, Inbuilt Ltd, Nov 07)
It was absolutely amazing. I wasn't sure what to expect but the day was very inspiring and it was a privilege to meet you, Nick and Simon. What your have done with the HHP is quite incredible. It was a joy to look around the home and lunch was delicious(!) I'm pleased my payment for the day's event is being invested in such a worthy project and one of the best outcomes of the day is it has motivated me to start thinking about my dissertation - which is priceless! (Hannah Salat-Groves, Architect student, Newcastle University, July 07)
You made an excellent presentation and the level of technical knowledge was very high even when compared to similar project presentations that I have visited in the UK. I would thoroughly recommend the Masterclass to anyone wishing to know more about this field. (Jon Morris, Principal, One Engineer, June 07)
The response was overwhelmingly positive. All felt that they had learned a great deal, and from my point of view a bonus was that Pam as a director was able to see how enthused the staff members in the party were. Keep us informed of future sessions – we will be sending another party at some point. (Paul Ellis, Chief Executive, Ecology Building Society, Mar 07)
It was an excellent day, and generally all aspects were well covered. It was nice to see the great range of people in the group from all different walk of life's. To find the right pitch must be always difficult, but you have done that very well. I was particularly impressed about the continuity in your group and the group consensus. This was my impression, perhaps slightly exaggerated but well demonstrated in your group activities ranging from running an education centre to keeping an allotment, maintenance of wind turbines etc. The high level of commitment in the group was outstanding. I was surprised to hear that only one party has left since you started. I have been involved in many groups and co-ops, some directly some only on the edge, in Germany and London but have never seen such a successful example. (Georg Herrmann, East Thames Group, Mar 07)
I really enjoyed the day. A rich experience in all sorts of senses with so much to learn from both you and the other delegates – a real bonus. The day was well balanced to cater for the needs of a varied group of people (academics to tradesmen). It was also a good opportunity to meet people in the sector and therefore a useful networking event! The value for money was great -I have already recommended others to attend. (Phil Newby, Green Ventures, Jan 07)
The ability to see, hear & feel the products/engineering in action in a practical environment rather than just reading company brochures, watching promotional footage or demonstrations. It was very nice to talk to "real" people that live with the technology and have experienced benefits and pit-falls associated with it. (Mark Cox, Building Surveyor, National Trust, Jan 07)
I think the main advantage of the day was being able to see the various technologies (that we've all been talking about for yonks!) actually functioning alongside each other, integrated into a real living community environment. You read about it, you hear about it but seeing it is altogether different. Terrific! (Graham Mills, East Midlands Renewable Energies Group, Jan 07)
I thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was very encouraging talking to people who had practical experience rather than just a grasp of the theory. Simon's presentation on the principles was as clear as any I've seen, if not clearer and I particularly enjoyed his graphs showing the threshold between heating costs and insulation levels representing the point that thermal mass became important. ….. the detailed discussion about construction and procurement challenges from Nick gave a practical edge to the day that you rarely get at other events. (Rob Annable, Architect, Axis Design Collective, Birmingham, Nov 06)
"In brief your project at Hockerton is outstanding, the people amazing and the course was for me was thought provoking, eye opening and very inspirational." (Martin Johnson, Brewster Bye Architects Ltd, Nov 06)
“Myself and everyone I spoke too at the day thought it was great. Not only is the content of the day very informative and well presented, but its a great way to network and meet people working in similar fields.” (Paul Goodburn, Nottingham City Council, Sept 06)
“We gained a lot of information that we were after and we were really surprised and delighted with all the things there. We did not find anything poorly managed, it all seems very well organised and pleasant and feel this was very well worth the fee for the course. We found the whole day very useful and extremely interesting ...the whole day.” (Nanna Bjornsdottir, Sept 06)
[Was the cost of event good value for money?] “Yes definitely compared to many 2 hour CPD seminars I've been to for only slightly less cost, and all you get is a coffee and biscuit”. (Sept 06)
“The day's programme was very good with an ideal mix of activity and lecture hall stuff.”
“…the effort was well worth while: i thoroughly enjoyed my day with you, and am very grateful to all of you, simon, nick, yourself and rick, for your really hospitable welcome. i think it is quite something to welcome a load of strangers into your home environment, not sure i would want to do it.... What i liked about it was that you were all very friendly, relaxed and informal, but at the same time you clearly have put a lot of thought into your presentations, and they come across very easily and clearly. it is very informative, and you manage to present the whole picture in a very balanced way, so not just talking about the building aspects, but about the way your live there etc. (Mark Tinker, Architect, Sept 06)
"I had a great day at Hockerton and have brought away many valuable ideas about how Willmott Dixon Housing can deliver more sustainable developments." (Gareth Rondell, Sustainability Manager, Willmott Dixon Housing Ltd, Sept 2005)
"The best seminar/workshop I've attended this year" (Martyn Gamble, Energy Efficient Design Consultancy, May 2005)
"I thought the day was fantastic, from the personal greeting in the car park to the depth of understanding and passion of your team and the breadth of experience represented in the audience, there was a real sense of collective purpose. From my perspective the level and content of the material you presented was spot on, but I am not an expert. I did wonder beforehand about it being billed as a 'master class' and whether I would be completely out of my depth. I also thought that what was OK for me might be too shallow for the other 'experts' in the audience, but on reflection your project is so broad that the slice you cut through was spot on for everyone. In terms of value for money, I think you could charge significantly more. I have experienced less exciting, uninformative CPD with crap catering (your coffee was great and the lunch delicious) for 3 times as much." (Tony wheeler, New Blue Door Ltd, Sept 2005)
"I thought the day spent with you guys was excellent and very informative. In this current age of lightweight construction, it was compelling to see a thermal mass structure that actually works. The calm conviction of all of you (without being too precious of your beliefs, which is what one often finds) was very refreshing and it generated an atmosphere in which all topics could be explored. For me, the more fundamental nature of the project ~ its spirit, I suppose, was far more valuable than any design detail. It was very inspiring. Good to hear about consensus design as well ~ it’s actually not as easy as it sounds is it! The cost of the class was less than the train and taxi fare to get there ~ very good value!" (Richard Sabin, Green Light Construction Ltd, May 2005)
"I found the day interesting and useful. I am most impressed with the integration of building, renewable energy, community and growing that you have achieved - and your dissemination effort. It was good to compare notes with others with similar interests. The cooks should be congratulated. I thought the day was good value." (Jon Broome Architects, Sustainable Construction Consultants, May 2005).
"I had a wonderful day and I'm very very glad I came."
"It is good to see so many issues and problems addressed in reality rather than just reading about the theory. It has certainly given me plenty of food for thought in designing my own place."
"The event was well managed and good value for money. Excellent food. I also appreciated the warts and all honest approach to things that had not worked and surprises that had been unexpected bonuses. It is also rare to get user feedback on post occupancy and how the buildings work for different social groups i.e. families, couples, home working, commuting."
"Thanks Nick and all of you for a great day - would love to keep channels open for appropriate future links & cooperation."
"We would like to thank you for a fascinating tour and such warm hospitality"