Alpine House

Killby & Gayford were contracted to construct the first new public glass house at Kew for over twenty years. The innovative structure will house the Kew’s internationally important collection of rare Alpine plants.

Works included:

• Excavation works to form an underground blockwork labyrinth to act as a natural, environmentally friendly, passive cooling system for the glasshouse.
• Formation of the uniquely shaped, fair faced concrete base structure, which is curved in plan and elevation. This required extremely careful setting out as it also supports the 10m high prefabricated, back-to-back steel arches that give the building its distinctive shape and support the glazing system.
• Management of the installation of the low-iron glass and stainless steel tension rod cladding system.

Due to the complexity of the design and construction, the adoption of an open and proactive project approach and regular site meetings were critical in ensuring the success of the project and the first time fit of glazing system on the concrete base.

Client
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew