Benenden School

Blue Forest as Designers

Set within the grounds of Benenden School in Kent, this ground-breaking eco-classroom provides an innovative teaching space surrounded by mature parkland and woodland.


The eco-classroom is a unique environmental education facility. Its striking, organic design draws attention to the lovely natural surroundings. Constructed almost entirely from sustainably harvested timber and incorporating a Sedum (green) roof the structure blends in perfectly with the woodland.


The building is totally independent of any mains power or utility supply. It is serviced entirely by solar energy, a revolutionary rainwater harvesting system and composting toilets. The structure is thefirst building in the UK which processes harvested rainwater from a sedum roof into hot and cold drinking water using only solar power.


"The Blue Forest team has gone the extra mile in many aspects of the build and we are delighted that they were able to achieve a green technology 'first'. Thanks to the system they have installed we are now able to harvest rainwater from the roof and convert it to drinking water using only the power provided by the solar panel system." - Anthony Cawley, Estate Bursar, Benenden School


"The eco-classroom not only provides a fantastic learning area for our pupils but it also goes one step further in our drive to become a more sustainable school." - Anthony Cawley, Estate Bursar, Benenden School


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