The Clearing, Lesnes Abbey Wood

Located within the protected landscape of Lesnes Abbey Woods, The Clearing is an outdoor education and community hub centred around an innovative classroom formed with repurposed a shipping container and military parachute canopy that is stored in a timber-framed tower.

The structural design for the Corten steel-clad tower is in timber studwork with steel bracing and stiffening elements where required. The shipping container was modified with additional steel strengthening to form new openings. Coppiced oak and chestnut sourced from the surrounding wood were incorporated throughout for non-structural elements. The use of reclaimed and locally sourced materials demonstrates how robust, low-impact construction can be delivered within a sensitive woodland environment.