Philip Hale fulfilled the dream he shared with his late wife who passed away earlier this year after a battle with bowel cancer.

When Philip Hale and his late wife Kim moved to their charming countryside home in January 2023, they dreamed of spending their retirement surrounded by nature, hosting family gatherings, and enjoying peaceful moments in their new house. 

However, the conservatory, which they hoped would become a focal point of relaxation, posed a challenge. 

Philip, 69, from Clifton upon Teme, Worcestershire, explained: “Kim always disliked how the conservatory was either boiling hot or freezing cold, but she still wanted it to be a place for us to entertain guests.” 

The couple initially planned to reclaim the space by building an orangery, until life took an unexpected and heart-breaking turn.

“Kim was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in March last year, and our plans for the extension were suddenly put on hold,” Philip said.

“Around Easter, we were told there was nothing more they could do for her, and three days later, at 65, she passed away.”

Left to carry on their unfinished dream, Philip sought a way to honour the retired gran-of-four Kim’s vision of making the conservatory a practical and comfortable space. 

That’s when he discovered CI Group’s industry-leading conservatory insulation, which offered the perfect solution. 

Philip’s interest was piqued by the company's unique product, which promises to reduce up to 90 per cent of heat loss through the roof.

CI Group’s cutting-edge C.H.R.I.S® system uses a six-layer quilt, and technology researched and developed by NASA on the Apollo Space Shuttle, to help keep your conservatory at the perfect temperature. 

“Instead of going ahead with the large-scale construction, I decided to go with CI Group’s insulation because I still wanted to do something that would represent what she was trying to do,” he explained. 

Before the transformation, the conservatory was hardly used due to its extreme temperatures. 

Philip recalled: “We only used it when guests came over for meals, but even then, it was uncomfortable. One summer it got as hot as 49.6C, and in winter it dropped to just 5C.”

After a seamless renovation, Philip’s conservatory is now a comfortable, inviting space that can be enjoyed all year round. 

Insulating the conservatory in memory of his wife has given Philip a beautiful space to relax and remember her from. Furthermore, the renovation will reduce his need to spend on energy bills heading into winter due to enhancing the energy efficiency of the room. 

Matt Forrest, Managing Director of CI Group, said: “Phil’s story really touched us. We understood that this wasn’t just a home improvement—it was about preserving memories and fulfilling a shared dream. 

“Our insulation is designed to solve the exact issues Phil and Kim faced, turning their underused conservatory into a PROservatory - a cosy, functional space, no matter the season.”

The installation process was smooth and quick, Phil explained: “It only took a day and a half, and the team was incredibly tidy.

“I’m really impressed with the quality of the insulation and how much more comfortable the conservatory is now.

“It's still early days, but I'm sure the insulation will help with energy savings. This is especially true since I now have dimmable LED lights installed in the conservatory, which are much more efficient than the old halogen bulbs we had.

“We had originally planned a renovation that would’ve cost £100,000, so I’ve saved a significant amount by choosing insulation instead.”

CI Group will be at The Homebuilding & Renovating Show at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre from September 27-29, 2024. Free tickets to the show are available here.

At CI Group, we’re on a mission to enhance the quality of life for homeowners by transforming traditional conservatories into versatile, energy efficient ‘Proservatories’. We are committed to innovation, excellence, and sustainability in every project we undertake. 

Our goal is to provide all-year comfort and style through our unique and advanced insulation solutions and expert craftsmanship, ensuring that every conservatory we touch becomes a cherished part of the home. We strive to empower our customers by improving the functionality and efficiency of their living spaces, making every conservatory a testament to our dedication to ‘all pros, no cons.’

With over 30,000 installations in the UK, we have helped thousands of homeowners transform their conservatory into a space that they can love in all seasons.