CambridgeHOK is 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, CambridgeHOK 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 and 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.
Richard Barley, Director of Gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said: “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: “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.
