Where old meets new: horticultural barn to be restored using MEDITE SMARTPLY

“It’s about doing the right thing. I’ve always hated waste and I’m concerned about the environment. Everything is sustainably thought through. I chose MEDITE SMARTPLY because of their commitment to sustainability, and devotion to manufacturing environmentally conscious products.” Nadine Charlton, Director of Home Spring Gardens.

An old horticultural barn is being lovingly restored using a mix of sustainable, reclaimed, and new materials – and MEDITE SMARTPLY products will be a playing a key role in the development. MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX), SMARTPLY MAX FR B and SMARTPLY STRONGDECK, will be used in the build.

The barn will be the foundation of Home Spring Gardens, a B2C and B2B company specialising in horticultural and landscape services, rare and unusual plants, and environmental projects. Its director, Nadine Charlton, will be collaborating with like-minded and skilled partners to achieve the ‘living showroom’ of her dreams.

“I am building an old barn in a new format rather than renovating one, using new technology and products to support it. So it’s a mix of old and new. It will be my living showroom, showcasing, my services, plants, everything, it’s quite a unique space.

Nadine is aiming to create a studio that not only embraces her work but is also a testament to her dedication to sustainability.

“It’s about doing the right thing. I’ve always hated waste and I’m concerned about the environment. Everything is sustainably thought through. I chose MEDITE SMARTPLY because of their commitment to sustainability, and devotion to manufacturing environmentally conscious products.”

Choosing the right products

MTX is currently being installed on site. It is renowned for its outstanding durability and dimensional stability, which allows it to be used in applications once limited to products such as concrete, plastics or metals.

“The building is nestled into the landscape. Where you would normally have block walls to support the oak frame on top, my walls are buried within the ground, so we’ve literally sculptured the building in. It looks like the barn is sitting in the earth and there is a rear bank that comes right down to it. When you’re standing inside, you’re looking out at ground level – it’s amazing!

“I chose MTX for its longevity because of the building’s unique location. It’s above ground but it’s also partly in the ground. So, the panel’s guarantee of 50 years above ground and 25 years in ground is extremely beneficial.”

The innovative panel is also resistant to rot and fungal decay – which makes it ideal for outdoor applications. “I’m nestled in the bottom of the valley close to the riverbed, so I get heavy mists in the morning, and I have the home spring pond in front of the building as well. Therefore, I chose MTX because of its ability to withstand wet and humid environments.”

SMARTPLY MAX FR B, the flame retardant structural OSB/3 panel with outstanding reaction to fire properties, has been used for interior of the stables within the grounds, and will be used for the barn.

“When it comes to dry materials used for bedding horses, I was always worried in the past about the fire risk, which is why I specified SMARTPLY MAX FR B for that application.

“I will also be installing SMARTPLY STRONGDECK for its load bearing capacity to support the flooring.”

An ongoing legacy

The essence of the structure and its setting has been captured by Russell Perry from Russell Perry Visual Studio. A collaboration that stemmed from Nadine’s work behind-the-scenes at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year. MEDITE SMARTPLY headlined the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022, partnering with the world-renowned show’s most decorated designer, Sarah Eberle. The garden went on to win two prestigious awards: Gold and Best Construction Award (Show Garden).

The coming months will see the inclusion of new sustainable earth and timber based products coupled with unused materials from other horticultural buildings. The project will also make use of materials that have been discovered and unearthed on site. The restoration is expected to be completed later in the year.

Nadine Charlton is a Sustainability Development Lead and environmental champion. Keep up with Nadine here:

Instagram: @homespringgardens

For more info on MTX, visit https://mdfosb.com/en/products/medite-tricoya-extreme, or contact our head office on +44 (0) 1322 424900.