A new off-grid timber classroom and volunteer base created deep in woodland offers a sustainable, nature-connected space for community learning and conservation.
A new off-grid timber classroom and volunteer base created deep in woodland offers a sustainable, nature-connected space for community learning and conservation.
Client: Andover Trees United
Location: Harmony Woods, Andover
Contractor: Community-built
Harmony Woods was created over a decade through planting native trees and developing wildflower meadows, ponds and natural habitats. The Andover Trees United charity’s aim was to provide the local community, especially young people, with access to nature and opportunities for environmental education and volunteer involvement. As part of this vision, there emerged a need for a dedicated indoor facility to support year-round education, volunteering, training and community events to enable the woodland to serve as more than just a seasonal planting site.
AWA was responsible for foundations and structural timber frame design for the new woodland classroom and volunteer base, built around two permanently placed portable cabins. The build, using locally felled cedar and larch processed by hand, crafted into a timber frame by skilled carpenters alongside community volunteers, reflects a deeply low-impact, community-led approach.
The resulting building now provides a weather-tight, robust, sustainable structure with solar panels and rainwater harvesting. It has enabled new possibilities for the woodland, transforming it into a functional hub all year. The project’s commitment to sustainability and community resilience was celebrated by winning the Hampshire Sustainable Communities Award. The Cabin has broadened community engagement, helping embed a deeper connection between people and nature in Andover for generations.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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