Defence Infrastructure Organisation Raising minimum standards for Service family housing

The challenge

Service family accommodation across the UK has been housing military families for many years, meaning some properties were naturally beginning to show signs of wear, such as unreliable boilers, leaky roofs, and ageing electrics and plumbing. These factors contributed to higher energy use and made it harder for families to maintain consistent comfort, particularly during colder months.

In response, the Government committed a record £1.5 billion investment to accelerate improvements to the quality and energy performance of military housing. The challenge for Amey was to deliver high‑quality, safe, and efficient upgrades at scale and pace, while minimising disruption for families remaining in their homes.

Meeting this ambition required close collaboration with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, proactive engagement with families, and careful coordination with suppliers to manage logistical and welfare considerations. The programme also needed to meet ambitious year‑end targets to refurbish a significant proportion of the 1,000 homes identified, much of it during the demanding winter period.

At the heart of the challenge was the need to deliver tailored, impactful improvements that addressed the drivers of high energy costs. Modern heating systems, enhanced insulation, and advanced energy‑saving technologies were essential to creating warmer, greener, and more cost‑efficient homes, directly enhancing comfort, wellbeing, and long‑term sustainability for Service families.

The outcome

While the programme is ongoing, the impact is already clear. Hundreds of military families have seen their homes transformed, becoming warmer, more energy-efficient, and more affordable to run. Early feedback highlights the positive difference made, not only in reduced energy bills but also in comfort, wellbeing, and pride in their homes. 

Families are given the opportunity to personalise their homes by choosing the finishes in their kitchens, including a selection of colours and styles, ensuring the upgrades reflected their individual preferences and tastes. In addition, where families expressed a desire for open plan living, structural changes have been made to the layout of homes, such as reconfiguring spaces and installing steel beams, to create modern, flexible living areas that better suit contemporary family life.

This collaborative, responsive approach not only improves the quality and comfort of the accommodation but also empowers families to shape their living environment, fostering a sense of ownership and satisfaction. By listening to and acting on the needs of families, we’re delivering a programme that goes beyond standard refurbishment, creating homes that truly meet the expectations and lifestyles of today’s Service families.

In addition to the core refurbishment works, there is a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Across several sites, a range of initiatives have been introduced to enhance local biodiversity and create greener, more welcoming communities. These include installing bat boxes, insect hotels, and hedgehog habitats, helping to protect native wildlife and promote a healthier, more sustainable environment around the properties.

Kerb appeal has also been a priority, with upgrades such as new fencing and the refurbishment of garages enhancing both the appearance and functionality of family homes. These improvements not only contribute to a safer and more attractive living environment but also foster a sense of pride and wellbeing among families. By integrating sustainability and community-focused enhancements alongside essential repairs and upgrades, we’re delivering a programme that benefits families, the client, and the wider environment.