Blog: Project of the Year under £10m SECBE Awards 2019 finalist - Hush Heath Winery

03 May 2019

sponsored by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Hush Heath Winery, Tonbridge, Kent - submitted by BBS Construction

BBS is proud to showcase this project that breaks the norm for commercial buildings.

The building aims to offer warmth and a feeling of freedom, allowing visitors to appreciate its surroundings from the outset - via the pergola-lined path to the entrance. Once inside the main visitor area, from the mezzanine floor people are able to look into the production and pressing room. The visitor tasting area and shop are below. From the decking areas, views extend for miles across the countryside, with vines and orchards.

Quality and attention to detail were not compromised with teamwork forming an integral part of the project's success. Exposed Kentish ragstone complements the natural stone flooring and steel work. The bespoke steel staircase offers a modern industrial feature. South-facing glazing at ground floor level opens up to reveal an expansive decked seating area, ideal for hosting events.

Inspired by the local architecture - Kentish barns and oast buildings - the success of the new winery is evident from both owner and visitors. Client feedback has been very positive with Richard Balfour-Lynn commenting: “the new winery has been a total success. Our profile has been elevated within our industry. We now offer a unique winery experience that’s the first of its kind in the country. BBS has proven to be a client friendly company that built an excellent winery to a high standard in a very professional manner.”

The new winery allows for whole-life production – planting/growing fruit, picking, pressing, and production of wines/ciders, bottling, labelling, tasting and selling on site. The building has been an environmental success with its low carbon footprint and sustainable features.

The winery’s impact on the local community and wider area has already created employment opportunities at the winery and throughout its construction process. 

Highlights:

• The new Hush Heath winery building has created employment and training opportunities during the construction period and in the commercial running of the winery and production business, benefiting the community, local area, supply chain and material manufacturing companies.
• Since completion, Hush Heath has encouraged more than 20,000 visitors to the area, this is expected to increase to more than 50,000 visitors in the future.
• Hush Heath is a sustainable building that enhances the countryside and allows a variety of wildlife to thrive alongside a commercial business.

For more details:

Visit BBS Construction.

The SECBE 2019 Building Project of the Year under £10m Award is sponsored by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.