Horticulture Teaching Facility

Folkestone
EXPLORE

Contract

Procurement

JCT Construction Management

Design & Build

Value

Services

£1 million

QS, PM

Sector

Client

Education

Turner Schools

Turner Schools Horticultural Project: Cultivating Education and Sustainability

Turner Schools launched an innovative Horticulture Classroom at Folkestone Academy, designed to provide students with hands-on environmental education and practical horticultural skills. The facility, officially opened by Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner Tony Woods of Garden Club London, features an outdoor learning area, polytunnel, and raised beds to support year-round engagement with nature and sustainable practices. Kent Construction Consultants acted as Quantity Surveyors and Employer’s Agent on the project, overseeing cost management and contract administration on behalf of the client, Turner Schools. Our expertise ensured the project was delivered efficiently and to a high standard, aligning with the school’s educational and environmental goals. 

Key Stage 3 students now benefit from weekly horticulture lessons, while the space also supports alternative education pathways for older pupils in Years 10 and 11. The project was further supported by a £160,000 grant from Sir Roger De Haan, Chair of Friends of Folkestone Academy, and is set to evolve into a broader community resource, offering workshops and training sessions led by industry experts. This initiative exemplifies Turner Schools' commitment to enriching learning environments while promoting sustainability and community engagement.

Turner Schools' Net-Zero Horticulture Classroom: A Model of Sustainable Education

Turner Schools investment in the development of a new pioneering Horticulture Classroom at Folkestone Academy, exemplified the school’s commitment to sustainability and innovative construction, the project showcases the effective integration of modern educational needs with environmental responsibility.

Built using modern methods of construction, the classroom was prefabricated off-site and assembled on the school grounds in early 2023. This approach not only minimized on-site disruption but also significantly reduced construction waste and embodied carbon, aligning with the project's net-zero carbon objectives. The facility incorporates sustainable features such as solar panels, which supply the majority of its energy needs, and is designed to maximize natural lighting, reducing reliance on artificial sources. Additionally, the integration of electric vehicle charging stations powered by the building's solar array underscores a holistic approach to sustainability.

Public Sector change to Modern Methods of Construction

As Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyor, Kent Construction Consultants ensured that sustainability goals were embedded from the outset. We work closely with clients, stakeholders, designers, and contractors to integrate energy-efficient technologies, low-carbon materials, and modern methods of construction (MMC) into the design and build process. By aligning environmental performance targets with commercial controls, we help deliver projects that meet both budgetary requirements and long-term sustainability ambitions.

Our delivery of the Turner Schools Horticultural Classroom, a net-zero carbon modular project, is a clear example of this expertise in action. By overseeing the project under a JCT Design and Build contract, we helped the client achieve their vision for a low-energy, future-ready education space that promotes both environmental learning and sustainable development.

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