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Installations of growing systems begin on Dyson Farming glasshouse extension as exterior build complete

Work on a new extension to Dyson Farming’s strawberry growing glasshouse in Lincolnshire has now moved inside as the project remains on track to be completed by the end of the year.

Our team completed the 4.1 hectare exterior build and glazing installation in just over three months, and are now turning their attentions to creating the ideal growing environment inside the impressive facility.

Irrigation systems are currently being installed, with heating and hanging guttering systems to follow in the coming weeks before climate controls are perfected ahead of the site handover and the first planting of crops in December.

Patrick Harte, joint managing director of CambridgeHOK, said the firm’s long-standing partnership with Netherlands-based Havecon, a world-leading glasshouse builder, had been key to remaining on schedule through some challenging conditions this summer.

Havecon boasts an unrivalled building capacity in the commercial glasshouse market, meaning it is able to quickly and efficiently design and build some of the biggest facilities in the world.

It has worked with CambridgeHOK for 13 years to deliver the glasshouses direct to customers, adding to our own industry-leading knowledge and expertise in overseeing the build of such facilities, and for installing climate controls and irrigation systems to ensure the best operational performance.

“It has been a fantastic effort on site so far. Taking a concept from January and delivering a crop in December is no easy feat and the team and the capability we have got has enabled us to meet that challenge and be on track to deliver,” said Mr Harte.

“Havecon have been our glasshouse build partner since 2010 and have built all of our larger glasshouses together over that period, with every project delivered on time and on budget for our customers. We have a really proud record together.

“This is another example of them rising to the challenge and delivering to a great standard. The weather wasn’t perfect over the summer but it didn’t hamper us. Once again this will be another really successful project that we have completed with them.”

Growing and climate systems now the focus

Over the next two months, irrigation, heating and climate control systems will be installed by the CambridgeHOK team, with swinging guttering systems and LED grow lights set to ensure the perfect growing environment is provided.

The latest technology and advanced growing systems are being used to lengthen the British strawberry season by growing from early spring and into late autumn, when traditionally British strawberries are in very short supply.

“The activity within the glasshouse is really increasing now and it will be a hive of activity over the next two months as our teams really demonstrate our expertise in designing and installing fully engineered growing solutions and sophisticated and automated climate control and irrigation systems.

“Of course, we are working from a blueprint of the initial six hectare glasshouse which we originally built for this client back 2020.

“This project enjoys the benefits of three years of working together to constantly review and perfect the environment and systems. All those learnings and improvements will certainly benefit this project.”

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