Case Study: Supporting a Large-Scale DIY Workshop Build Through Jewson Spalding
Overview
Jess and Jon, creators behind the YouTube channel True Blue Travellers, returned to the UK after a period of travelling and adventure, during which they documented life on the road and a series of hands-on DIY vehicle builds. As their projects grew in size and complexity, working outdoors became increasingly restrictive, particularly for builds with long timelines and consistent access to shelter.
To address this, they purchased a rural property with an existing steel-framed building and intended to convert it into a large enclosed workshop. The first and most critical challenge was the removal of the existing asbestos roof and cladding, a significant and potentially hazardous task. After extensive research and careful planning, Jess and Jon undertook the asbestos removal themselves, following HSE guidance and documenting the process for their audience. With the building stripped back to its original frame, the project moved quickly into its next phase, recladding the 18.5m x 12.2m structure with a durable steel solution supplied through Jewson Spalding, with materials manufactured by Southern Sheeting to ensure the build could progress without delay.
Merchant-led recommendation through Jewson Spalding
Having worked with steel cladding on previous projects, Jess and Jon already had a clear idea of the materials they wanted to use for the workshop. Their prior experience gave them confidence that box profile steel cladding would deliver the durability, appearance, and practicality required for a project of this scale.
They sourced the materials from their local Jewson Spalding branch. Owen Davies, Trade Counter Sales at Jewson Spalding, supported the process by helping them secure the products efficiently and competitively. Rather than directing the specification, Owen focused on understanding the existing structure, timelines, and installation approach, ensuring the chosen materials were appropriate and that specification, manufacture and supply were aligned from the outset.
Working with a nearby branch provided reassurance, clear communication, and continuity from specification through to delivery, giving Jess and Jon confidence that the supply side of the project was in safe hands.
Product specification and supply support
With the product specification already defined, the focus shifted to ensuring the materials could be supplied accurately and within a tight timeframe. Jess provided a detailed materials list directly to the Southern Sheeting team, allowing specifications such as sheet thickness, lengths, coatings, and fixings to be checked and confirmed before manufacture. The workshop build was progressing quickly, and delays to the cladding would have stalled the wider project.
The project was introduced to Southern Sheeting through Sean, our Regional Account Manager, who works closely with builders' merchants, including Jewson Spalding. Our team in our Midlands branch then liaised directly with Jess and Jon to support the supply of the steel cladding and fixings. As part of the process, installation guidance and fitting information were shared in advance, helping ensure the materials selected were suitable for fixing into the existing steel structure and reducing the risk of on-site issues.
Although the sheets were manufactured to custom lengths to suit the existing steel frame, delivery was completed far more quickly than Jess and Jon expected, helping maintain momentum during a critical phase of the build.
This responsiveness proved particularly valuable given the structure's size and the limited window to move toward a weather-tight state. The materials arrived in excellent condition, with specifications such as sheet thicknesses and lengths clearly confirmed in advance, and were ready to install, allowing the build to continue without interruption.
Delivery was handled by Southern Sheeting, with timing coordinated in advance to ensure access was in place on site. Support was offered at the point of delivery to help the unloading run smoothly, further minimising disruption.
Installation and on-site performance
Once the existing asbestos had been safely removed in line with HSE guidance, the new cladding was installed onto the retained steel frame. The structure featured 7mm steel purlins, which made fixing performance a critical consideration from the outset.
The box profile steel sheets were handled well on site and met expectations for quality and consistency. Of particular note was the performance of the fixings, which, as highlighted by Jess and Jon, drilled cleanly into the heavy-gauge steel without snapping or failure, avoiding the rework and delays that can occur when fixings are not suited to heavy steel structures.
This detail also reinforced the decision to use single-skin steel cladding rather than an insulated panel system for this phase. Given the existing structure and heavy steel purlins, Jess and Jon wanted to avoid the risk of fixing issues that could slow the job or introduce rework. The performance of the cladding and screws in real conditions gave them confidence that the chosen approach was the right fit for the building.
From a practical, DIY-led perspective, the materials were manageable to install at scale, enabling steady progress and moving the workshop closer to a weather-tight state without unnecessary complication.
Finished result and audience response
The workshop build is still in progress and is not yet fully enclosed. However, the installation of the steel cladding has already had a significant visual impact, clearly defining the structure and enabling the project to progress with greater confidence.
As the build has been shared with thousands of viewers on the True Blue Travellers channel, the cladding stage has become a key point of interest, drawing strong engagement and sparking detailed discussion around the materials and build approach. Viewers have responded positively to the black steel finish, with many commenting on its appearance and discussing material choice and installation.
Documenting the workshop build has also driven noticeable growth in the channel, with increased engagement as audiences follow the project’s progression. Even at this mid-build stage, the workshop has become a central feature of the project, shaping how the build is documented as it progresses.
Looking ahead
As the project evolves, maintaining a consistent relationship with Jewson Spalding remains important to them. Local merchant support, clear communication, and reliable sourcing will continue to play key roles as the process moves forward.
For Jess and Jon, the workshop marks a natural continuation of a journey that began with selling their possessions, travelling extensively, and building custom vans along the way. What started as life on the road has gradually evolved into creating a permanent base where they can continue to take on ambitious personal projects, learn new skills, and document the process for their audience, one build at a time.
If you are managing a steel cladding project involving heavy steel structures, tight timelines, or complex specifications, coordinated support between merchant and manufacturer can make a measurable difference. Southern Sheeting works in partnership with local branches to help projects run smoothly from specification through to delivery. Speak to your merchant, or contact the team for further technical advice.
