Ground School

A purpose-built learning centre for regenerative farming, transforming disused farm buildings into low-energy, low-carbon spaces for education, training, and innovation.

Call Us now to get a quote for our services or to request more information.

About Project

Delighted to share a sneak peek of an exciting project that has kept us busy and recently submitted for planning! ‘Ground school’ will be a purpose built learning centre in North Hertfordshire for regenerative farming by @groundswell_agriculture and will include facilities for a new training kitchen and incubator spaces for an amazing group of partners such as @grancomkitchen and many others. The project regenerates a disused collection of modern and historic farm buildings, to create flexible low energy spaces to support teaching activities. A masterplan has been developed that includes ground source energy generation, growing spaces, a wholesale market and a new flour mill. The building will utilise low embodied carbon materials, such as hemp insulation and cladding, along with passive design measures.

What We Did

The project involved converted three industrial containers to form a cafeteria and drive through coffee. This innovative and ambitious project had its challenges along the way, which one by one were overcome and resolved. From issues with local authorities, drainage, power supply to planning permission – nothing was straight forward, however with the highly skilled and experience Colin Hill team onsite every day, there was always a solution to be found.

The design and build took place amidst a global pandemic to which the hospitality industry took a significant hit. It was during a time where building materials were vast which provided many challenges. Robbie and Jo recruited a strong team to launch the drive through coffee element of business, which was greatly received in the local community making the most of the opportunity for a growing takeaway market. As soon as Government restrictions were lifted the business was in a prime position to open their doors to their stunning, modern coffee house – providing a perfect long-awaited blend of friendships and coffee in the local community. The business ethos is “Coffee with Friends – the perfect blend” and remains at the heart of their business.

Since opening the couple have just celebrated being awarded 5 start rating in Food Hygiene, as area that will remain a top priority for the business along with providing quality, consistency, and a first-class service. It is also a gratifying nod to the staff for their hard work, grit, and determination in getting through challenges and uncertain times. The business is going from strength to strength in sales, positive feedback and recommendations. Whilst Robbie and Jo catch their breath, they are always hungry for a new opportunity. Now the Amici Coffee brand model has been perfected, it is a great business model to launch further establishments in the future. We’ll certainly be excited to see what’s next for Amici Coffee.

Review From The Client

We were delighted to be recommended to Laurie and his team at Colin Hill. Finding the right partner to turn our dream into reality was so important to us. We’ve been on a huge journey and we are delighted with the results. We’ve created a fantastic working partnership with Laurie and we greatly value the experience and expertise of the Colin Hill team, who were there to guide us and provide us the expert advice throughout the design, build and delivery of our new business.
Robbie and Jo