Genesis at Hestercombe
What is GENESIS?
The Genesis Project based at Somerset College in Taunton, is the most exciting development in the Further Education sector today. It demonstrates that traditional construction materials and methods can work in perfect harmony with recycled waste and modern materials and techniques to create energy saving, waste reducing, streamline, contemporary buildings. It specialises in traditional building regeneration while also advising on new build.
Funded by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and the Learning and Skills Council, Genesis works hand in hand with the Division of construction at the College, which is the only Government Centre of Vocational Excellence (COVE), which has received the award with ‘sustainability’ in its title.
A unique feature of the Genesis Project is the Genesis Centre itself. This is an award winning sustainable building used for the development and delivery of many of the learning programmes offered through the project. The Genesis Centre serves as a facility which helps people across the South West to access information on sustainable construction and which gives the opportunity to see high quality buildings which have been constructed using sustainable methods. Originally specialising in ‘new build’, the second phase of the centre focuses on traditional buildings and heritage regeneration and re-use.
Genesis, the South West sustainable Construction Centre based at Somerset College, Taunton, is working in partnership with Hestercombe, the unique collection of gardens and buildings spanning three centuries of garden history and design.
This year work began on the restoration of Hestercombe’s historic Mill and Barn. Scheduled for completion in early 2010, this provides the site for a very special partnership educational venture. A full programme of courses and activities will then be available.
Genesis has nationally recognised experience in sustainable construction education. At Hestercombe, it will provide education and training opportunities around heritage and building regeneration and will offer courses in traditional construction, energy efficiency in older buildings and heritage skills.
The 18th century water wheel that once powered the estate will be converted to use again and will power the new education centre. It will be a launch pad for studying renewable energy then and now, with exploration of technologies today and lessons that can be learnt from some of the simple fundamentals of the past.
The 17th century barn is constructed of cob, the earth-based material, and still popular today, with over 500,000 buildings in the UK made from variations on cob. Courses here will focus on lessons learnt through the restoration, materials used, legislative requirements, blending the new with the old, considerations on a historic site and practical building skills required.
As well as the education centre, Genesis at Hestercombe’s facilities will include restrooms and a seasonal tea garden providing a versatile and picturesque venue right at the heart of the historic landscape with beautiful views directly into the Hestercombe woods.
Part of Somerset College’s Foundation Degree in Heritage and Sustainable Construction, starting in September 2009 will be taught at Hestercombe through Genesis.
Genesis@ Hestercombe partnership events, activities and courses start in 2010. There will be opportunities for site visits and educational tours beforehand. For more information about Genesis and forthcoming courses also visit their website www.genesisproject.co.uk