Greenhouse The shape of the building fits around the major tree on the site which provides shading for much of the day
Delayed construction Although the build has been designed to the highest standard, it was not delivered without its problems, as Helen reveals: “The start of construction was seriously delayed by two and a half years years due to Lease problems and the economic downturn coinciding with the original tender which affected the fundraising for the project construction. This meant moth balling, then dusting off the project and re-visiting the design mid way through detail design. “The client elected to change from a conventional procurement process to Design & Build with the intention of getting a building constructed to a fixed budget and timeframe. This meant P&S’s role changed from the date the builder was appointed to be Novated to the Contractor i.e. working for them rather than directly for the client. This could have presented the challenge of changing details to meet the contractor’s cost constraints. However Barley McNaughton were keen to keep to the designed intent and the detailing is largely as originally intended.” Helen continues: “Another challenge was the selection for cost reasons of a segmental steel frame while the external finishes were to be curved. This meant our working closely with the site joiners to adjust the secondary framing to achieve smooth curved finishes.” The gardens surrounding the building will be planted by Thrive gardeners themselves, working to a plan created by the awardwinning garden designer Sarah Price Landscapes. This was an early competition
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win for Sarah who has since gone on to win a gold medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 2012, and is co-designer of the 2012 Gardens at the Olympic Park, London. Kathryn Rossiter, Thrive’s Chief Executive, adds: “It is fantastic for our gardeners and the extra space will allow us to help more people and offer them more opportunities. It is a flagship building for us on East Carriage Drive which is already attracting the interest of many passers-by. “We plan to increase the number and variety of plants and herbs we can use and sell to members of the public. We are in such a fantastic position to sell our produce on this main thoroughfare and look forward to welcoming people.” “Our challenge now is to raise funds to create a beautiful but functional garden around the building,” continues Kathryn. “We will be working as closely as possible to a design by Sarah Price which will make
fantastic use of the space.” Helen adds: “The building gives a strong presence to the charity demonstrating the potential and benefits of training for people with a wide range of sometimes severe disabilities. It gives these London citizens a place to work within an important London park used by the public. “The new building is a massive improvement on the former collection of huts and sheds. High quality design with a building that is sympathetic to its context champions Thrive’s work and their ‘gardeners’. The additional space permits Thrive to run more workshops and public events.” Thrive remains grateful to the many people who have donated funds towards the cost of the building.
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that form part of the life skills training for the gardeners.”
www.pedderscampton.com www.thrive.org.uk
The facility has been positioned to maximise the benefit from solar gain
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