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Two bespoke glasshouses to support major renovation project at Kew Gardens

CambridgeHOK is honoured to have been contracted to design and build two bespoke glasshouse structures for Kew Gardens as part of a wider project to restore its iconic Palm House.

A dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its botanical research and education since 1759, the Palm House at Kew Gardens is one of the oldest surviving glasshouses in the world and home to plants from some of the most threatened environments in the world.

To house plants and seedlings that will eventually be displayed in the renovated Palm House, we are now constructing a 384m² Palm House Propagation Glasshouse behind the scenes in the nurseries.

In addition, a freestanding Venlo glasshouse measuring 384m2 – called the Decant House – is being built for the mature specimens from the Palm House. This will be visible to visitors as it will sit in the gardens behind the Palm House while renovation works are carried out.

Both structures will contain advanced systems to control temperature, humidity and light management, enabling the propagation of a wide variety of tropical plants from around the world.

The Tropical Propagation Glasshouse will rely on Air Source Heat Pump technology to help regulate and maintain a temperature between 18°C to 22°C throughout the year. A glazed aluminium roof system will also feature motorised ventilation and shade screening for complete temperature control.

The Temporary Decant Glasshouse boilers will use hydronic pipework to distribute heat through two separate zones and maintain the desired 18°C to 22°C internal temperature. Externally, a 40,000-litre sectional rainwater capture tank will sit above the ground to store and filter water, using a coarse filter to sieve and remove debris and any coarse contaminants.

Richard Barley, Director of Gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said: “The Palm House is an iconic Victorian glasshouse, home to an amazing indoor rainforest, with tropical plants from some of the most threatened environments in the world.

“This renovation project provides a unique opportunity to showcase low-carbon heating technologies in a world-leading heritage context, and we are delighted to be working with CambridgeHOK on an important part of this very important project at Kew.”

Reflecting on a partnership which showcases our engineering expertise, CambridgeHOK Sales Manager Noel O’Leary said: “Building a complex glasshouse for Kew Gardens, one of the most famous and respected botanical gardens in the world, is testimony to the horticultural engineering knowledge and capability that we have.

“We’re proud to be associated with such a renowned institution and we’re confident this complex and high-value project will cement our reputation as a leader in the glasshouse industry.

“We are already on site. The demolition work in the Lower Nursery is underway and we are looking forward to successfully demonstrating our technical skill and craftsmanship over the course of the next few months.”

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