Breathing New Life Into a Historic Landmark
Originally founded in the 1890s by Bertram Mitford, the 1st Earl of Redesdale, Batsford Arboretum is a cherished heritage site known for its unique natural beauty and architectural charm. When the Arboretum’s visitor centre café and kitchen required a full upgrade — encompassing equipment, layout, branding, and ventilation — Space Group stepped in to lead the transformation. They, in turn, engaged Kitchen Vent Technical Ltd (KVT) to deliver a compliant, sympathetic kitchen ventilation solution that respected both the building’s form and the visitor experience.
KVT’s Innovative Approach to a Unique Challenge
The design of the visitor centre posed a significant technical challenge. The low-curved structural roof and visible support framework meant that ductwork and fixings could not be hidden. Rather than treat this as a limitation, KVT turned it into a visual feature, applying detailed finishes to exposed components that would normally remain unseen.
To tackle the low vaulted ceilings, KVT engineered a unique solution by splitting the supply-air intake into four independent systems, each fitted with:
- Its own fan
- Heater battery
- Individual controls
Additionally, the extract system was carefully designed to feature a low-profile, low-noise discharge, placed discreetly in the service area to avoid any disruption to the surrounding natural environment.
Why KVT?
- Installed a ClearAir peripheral extract canopy with front extract connections, creating room above for return air flow
- Supplied full-length splashback wall cladding for enhanced hygiene and durability
- Engineered a low-maintenance system with easy access for cleaning
- Provided integrated column cladding to match the Services Distribution Units (SDUs)
- Delivered full commissioning, system balancing, and setting to work upon completion
Client Testimonial
“Picking up a project that had been poorly designed by other parties is never easy,
especially when what had been designed was a long way from compliant.
Although the final ventilation system ended up costing the client more money initially,
KVT ensured that what was installed was the correct, compliant solution — and therefore ultimately
saved the client from what would have been a costly and disruptive situation.
KVT’s installation was again, a smooth and coordinated process with a very happy client.”— Chris Lee, Head of Consultancy, Space Group
