Timber Frame Ireland; Helping Build Hannah Leonard Back to Her Family Home in Bray, Co. Wicklow
At Timber Frame Ireland, every project we undertake is important. But every so often, a project comes along that reminds you exactly why you chose this industry in the first place.
We were incredibly proud to be selected as the new timber frame supplier for DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland, helping transform the home of Hannah Leonard and her family with a new, energy efficient and accessible timber frame extension in Bray, Co. Wicklow.
Hannah’s Story
In October 2024, Hannah Leonard’s life changed forever.
While training for the Dublin Marathon in Sicily, the 24-year-old was struck by a car, suffering catastrophic brain injuries. Hannah underwent emergency neurosurgery before eventually being airlifted home to Ireland to continue her rehabilitation.
For months, Hannah’s family focused on one goal—bringing her home.
To make that possible, their house needed to be transformed into a home that could meet Hannah’s long-term needs and support her recovery.
That’s where DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland stepped in.
Credit: Ian Cleary Photography
Building a Home Designed for the Future
The project involved creating a new accessible timber frame extension; designed to help Hannah Leonard live comfortably at home with her family, and to accelerate her rehabilitation in a space she can finally call home.
At Timber Frame Ireland, we were honoured to design, engineer, manufacture and install the closed panel timber frame system that formed the structure of the new extension.
Manufactured off-site in our Donegal factory, every panel was precision built before being transported to Bray, Co. Wicklow , craned into position and installed by the team at Timber Frame Ireland.
Using modern off-site construction allowed the structure to be erected quickly while providing a high-performance, energy-efficient building that will serve the Leonard family for many years to come.
The Power of Community
While we’re extremely proud of the work we delivered, what we’ll remember most is the atmosphere.
Hundreds of volunteers, tradespeople, suppliers and supporters came together with one shared purpose – to help a family in need.
There was an incredible sense of teamwork from the moment we arrived on site. Everyone was working towards the same goal, and it was inspiring to witness.
Speaking about the Incredible Support of the Volunteers – Father, Kevin Leonard’s said;
“We are totally humbled by the volumes of people that turn out each day to make our promises to Hannah a reality. We don’t know many of the people but they have heard of Hannah’s journey and want to help.”
“The finish line is in sight, and Hannah will be coming home. Even just typing that seems surreal, but it is happening in the not-too-distant future.”
Our Experience Working on DIY SOS
For us, being involved in DIY SOS was unlike any other project we’ve undertaken.
As Timber Frame Ireland’s first project as the new timber frame supplier for the programme, it was a privilege to contribute something meaningful.
Our Managing Director, Declan Bourke, said:
“When we were asked to become the new timber frame supplier for DIY SOS Ireland, we knew it would be special – but seeing it first-hand was something else entirely. From designing and manufacturing the panels in our factory to watching them lifted into place on site, every stage of the project reminded us that construction is about people. We’re incredibly proud to have played a small part in helping Hannah and her family prepare for the next chapter of their lives.”
Timber Frame Ireland on DIY SOS Ireland, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Throughout the project, we documented the entire journey from start to finish.
From the initial design and engineering process to manufacturing in our factory, transporting the panels to site, crane installation and final erection, it was incredible to see months of planning come together in just a matter of days.
We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes photographs, videos, drone footage and interviews over the coming months as we look ahead to the programme airing on RTÉ.
But until then – it’s all under wraps!!
Declan Bourke of Timber Frame Ireland with Presenter Baz Ashmawy on DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland
Catch Timber Frame Ireland on RTE Soon!
Being part of DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland is something our team will always be proud of.
We’d like to thank everyone involved for making us feel so welcome and for showing what can be achieved when communities come together.
Most importantly, we’d like to wish Hannah and the Leonard family every happiness in their new home.
We look forward to watching the program on RTÉ and playing our part in many more inspiring projects in the future.
