\n
Architect\u2019s view<\/h3>\n
At WonKy we pride ourselves on being resourceful with budgets and sustainable with materials, and this project began life with a \u2018found\u2019 shipping container and a decommissioned military parachute. New structural elements are timber-framed, with green wood from surrounding woodland \u2013 such as chestnut and oak coppicing \u2013 used where possible for landscaping and elements such as railings for balustrades. The approach to the specification maximised the budget and minimised the project\u2019s carbon footprint.<\/p>\n
The act of setting up the outdoor education space under the parachute is intended to be a communal activity whereby the ropes are tethered to a circle of wooden posts, carved by local volunteers.<\/p>\n
The Cor-ten-clad tower with a translucent GRP lantern, stores and dries the parachute. Cor-ten steel, chosen as the primary cladding material, allows the building to blend into the ancient woodland in all seasons, though especially autumn.<\/p>\n
The operational energy required for the building is minimal: there is no heating or hot water (or mains water connection) and the small power and lighting installation is run off a rechargeable electric portable power station.
\nWai Piu Wong, director, WonKy<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.rt.emap.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/09164555\/LesnesClearing-JimStephenson-39.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Client\u2019s view<\/h3>\n
The Clearing was conceived as a space that would allow people to spend more time in the woodlands to experience nature and learn. We hoped it would blend into the ancient woodland but be inspiring to the users.<\/p>\n
Working in partnership with Bexley Early Years Team we are developing a new curriculum for reception and nursery-aged children that encourages young children to explore the natural environment. This space allows them to do this in the open and safely.<\/p>\n
It is also the home of woodland crafts, providing a range of volunteering opportunities in woodland conservation and courses in green woodworking.<\/p>\n
This unique space is magical, and we have had many people interpreting and enquiring about new uses for it, from running storytelling workshops and evening concerts to other traditional skill courses.
\nLondon Borough of Bexley<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\u00a0<\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.rt.emap.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/09164647\/Site-plan.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/div>\nProject data<\/h3>\n
Start on site<\/strong> September 2023
\nCompletion date<\/strong> May 2024
\nGross internal floor area<\/strong> Approx. 76m2<\/sup> including external classroom
\nGross (internal + external) floor area<\/strong> 420m2<\/sup>
\nForm of contract or procurement route<\/strong> JCT Minor Works
\nConstruction cost<\/strong> \u00a3140,000
\nArchitect<\/strong> WonKy
\nExecutive architect<\/strong> Lefkos Kyriacou
\nClient<\/strong> London Borough of Bexley
\nStructural engineer<\/strong>\u00a0Engineers HRW
\nQuantity surveyor<\/strong> London Borough of Bexley
\nArboricultural consultant<\/strong>\u00a0Down to Earth
\nEcologist<\/strong>\u00a0ASW Ecology,
\nCDM coordinator<\/strong> WonKy
\nApproved building inspector<\/strong> London Borough of Bexley Building Control
\nMain contractor<\/strong> Gransden Construction
\nCAD software used<\/strong> AutoCAD<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The project is situated near the last stop of the Elizabeth Line in Lesnes Abbey Woods, an 88ha public park and ancient woodland, which includes a ruined abbey. \u00a0\u00a0 The linked inside and outside education spaces are designed for teaching the importance of sustainable woodland management and nature conservation. Events include demonstrations of traditional forestry …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32845,"featured_media":748021,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"categories":[706],"tags":[4100,1481,5749,101167,2166],"yoast_head":"\n
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