Palio Trade by Karndean is a supporter of the UK construction charity Band of Builders.
As well as creating a community and safe space for tradespeople to share their highs and lows, seek support and have some fun, they also help those in need by championing big build projects and getting partners involved to give some much -needed support.
Our first project with Band of Builders has seen us help 21 year old, Luke Goold-Hannatt, from Woodbridge in Suffolk. Having suffered a brain aneurysm aged 17, Luke has been left with disabilities that require constant care. He has not been unable to return home to his family for more than three years.
Luke’s project
In July 2023, Band of Builders stepped in and built an extension for Luke and his live-in carer at their family home. Looking for durable flooring that would be wheelchair friendly and create a stylish space for Luke to enjoy, Tony Steel, operations director of Band of Builders called on Palio Trade by Karndean to offer a solution.
“We needed the floor to be functional, practical and modern,” explained Tony Steel, operations director at Band of Builders.
He said: “Palio Trade offered us a robust, click-locking luxury vinyl flooring that would be durable enough to withstand the weight and movement of Luke’s wheelchair, allowing him to move freely at home. It needed to be easy to clean, waterproof to withstand spills and hygienic.”
“With a 6.5mm thickness, 0.55mm wear layer and robust construction, Palio Core was easier to install than we expected. The simple click and lock installation format meant our trade volunteers could cover a large area in less time. The planks were a dream to work with; clean to cut and easy to handle. Likewise, the floor could be installed directly over the existing uneven subfloor and new subfloor in the extension.”
Luke and his family opted for Andria from our Palio Core collection with its soft grey tones and contemporary style. A team of dedicated trade volunteers installed 80m2 throughout the downstairs of Luke’s family home including kitchen, living room, carers room and hallways. Bringing a sense of nature indoors, the characterful elm grains in the Andria plank helped introduce a sense of movement and flow.
Most importantly, the result being Luke can live at home with his family easily accessing each room in his wheelchair. You can show your support for this project by clicking here.
