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CambridgeHOK chosen to build three research glasshouses at Kew Wakehurst

CambridgeHOK is building three new glasshouses for a conservation and research nursery at Kew Wakehurst

The company has recently completed the structural build of the glasshouses and is now to turn to phase two of the project, which will include complete mechanical, electrical, irrigation and climate control system fit outs.

Installations will include LED Lights and LED Grow Lights, Grow Benches and a Priva Climate Control system to ensure 12 different sectioned growing areas are provided across the three glasshouses, all connected by an overall district heating system, using heat pumps.

A final third stage, from August to November, will include commissioning, civils, drainage, landscaping, roadways and associated groundworks, as well as building office and toilet facilities before final handover.

The design and build project, which has a value of close to £10m, has contributed to what is set to be a record year for CambridgeHOK, as it celebrates 70 years in business.

Second contract awarded to company by RBG Kew

Situated in the heart of Sussex, Kew Wakehurst is set in over 500 acres of diverse landscapes and a vital hub for plant research and conservation.

Strict environmental and conservation credentials have had to be met as part of the project, given the sensitive nature of the site, with CambridgeHOK providing wildlife protection and full compliance to the conversation requirements of local planners.

The contract follows a previous project completed by the CambridgeHOK team at Kew Gardens, which saw two bespoke structures designed and built - a Temporary Decant Glasshouse and a Tropical Propagation Glasshouse.

The Decant Glasshouse is being used by horticulturists to house plants moved out of the world-famous Palm House, a Victorian glasshouse which has housed some of the world’s rarest and most threatened plants but due to close in 2027 as part of a five-year renovation project.

A new Tropical Propagation Glasshouse was also built at Kew Gardens to provide a purpose-built facility for propagating and caring for tropical plants.

Build approach and progress

Jason Tether, project manager at CambridgeHOK, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to be selected to work for Kew for a second time as it is a fantastic reflection of our business and expertise.

“We’re delighted to say that, despite a challenging and sustained wet weather period when we first started on site, the project is progressing well and we have hit a key milestone mark with the main three glasshouse structures now complete.

“The mechanical and electrical fit out work is the next phase, along with continuing groundworks.

“This project further cements our reputation in the glasshouse industry for designing and building facilities for leading research and conservation specialists.

“We’re proud to continue our association with such a renowned institution and again be entrusted to lead on such an important project.”

Kew Wakehurst is famously home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the world's largest facility for conserving the seeds of wild plants, storing, and researching seeds from nearly 100,000 species from across the globe to protect biodiversity against threats like climate change and disease.

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