Before crane-lifting the timber arches into position, the Beard team had to design and build a complex scaffold structure that would be strong enough to hold them while they were bolted together.

Beard overcame a number of technical challenges such as learning how to build a rammed earth wall and reclaiming chalk from the excavations to build the wall.  The chalk mixture for the 450mm-thick rammed earth wall had to be prepared manually because it clogged both conventional and paddle cement mixers. The mixture was developed in test batches and applied in 150mm-thick layers.

To meet the unusually long lead times for many of the sustainable materials specified, Beard had to programme works carefully, months  in advance.

“Our vision was to get people onto the farm to experience natural farming systems at work, all the way from field to plate. This spectacular building provides an inspiring meeting space, which helps us to realise that vision.”
Peter Kindersley , Sheepdrove Organic Farm