Hawkhurst Walled Garden

Community and Learning

Hands of Hope Charity approached Kaner Olette to work with them to develop a scheme for this site on the edge of Hawkhurst in Kent to facilitate the charity’s community goals.

Within the wall a new 25 metre long greenhouse will be nested between two simple timber pavilions. These would serve as a multipurpose seminar and training room and a cookery school.

One of the main challenges of the project has been to reconcile the site levels with full inclusivity. Careful manipulation of external levels without destabilising the tall boundary wall has enabled this so easy wheelchair access is ensured through the public buildings.

Other existing brick structures on the site will be refurbished to be an office, plant room and food box preparation. A new reception and a workshop space for ‘Men in Sheds’ to use as part of their work in promoting men’s health and wellbeing.

The project is being constructed in a phased manner to work with available funding and changing priorities.