SipBuild UK, based in Castleford, has extended the educational facilities at Malham Youth Hostel as part of a £460,000 refurbishment project, which also added five en-suite bedrooms to the complex.

The education building extension used Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and SipBuild UK was on site for just three and a half days to deliver the watertight structure ready for contractors to finish the build.

Chris Duckworth, the managing director of SipBuild UK said: "Building in the Dales with sustainable materials for the Youth Hostel Association has been a great project. SIPs are the future of building in the UK, they offer superior strength, increased floor space and unbeatable energy efficiency."

Lucy Jones, associate partner at architect's Harrison Ince said: "SIPs provided the correct material to realise the architectural vision for the new education building at YHA Malham. Due to the rural location of the premises, access to and around the site was restricted and SIPs offered a more concise construction process, which assisted with programme and weather implications (the build was carried out in the winter). Being an environmentally sustainable product was also appropriate to satisfy YHA’s environmental design standards."

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The project was funded by the Youth Hostelling Association, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's Sustainable Development Fund and through a legacy from the late Margaret Hardware, who first visited YHA Malham when she was walking the Pennine Way in 1968.

In addition to the new education facilities and five en-suite bedrooms, the Youth Hostelling charity has completely redecorated the hostel and updated all the furniture. A new licensed café has been opened and there is a separate refurbished block for families and groups looking for self-catering holiday accommodation.

YHA Malham is one of 24 Youth Hostels to have the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge, which recognises the Youth Hostel's commitment to providing safe, exemplary learning experiences for children and young people. The YHA has around 160 Youth Hostels and camping barns throughout England and Wales.

(CR/MH)