Agricultural Building Construction in Kent

Project Overview

Smart CI Group was appointed to deliver the construction of a new general-purpose agricultural building for Victoria Farm in Hadlow, Kent. The project required a full bespoke solution, from groundworks and foundations through to the design, fabrication and installation of a steel portal frame building.

Designed to support modern agricultural operations, the new facility needed to be durable, practical and adaptable, while also providing efficient access and long-term reliability.

Steel portal frame agricultural building under construction in Kent

The Challenge

The client required a robust, multi-functional building capable of supporting a range of agricultural uses.

Key considerations included:

Creating a stable and well-prepared site foundation
Ensuring the structure could withstand demanding, heavy-duty operational use
Incorporating efficient drainage solutions
Delivering a building that balances functionality, durability, and future adaptability

The project also required careful coordination across multiple phases, ensuring all elements from the groundwork to steel erection aligned seamlessly.

Our Approach

At Smart CI Group, we approached this project with a fully integrated delivery model, managing every stage from initial site preparation through to the final construction.

Site Preparation & Groundworks

We began with comprehensive site preparation works, including:

Topsoil stripping across the building footprint and surrounding access areas
Installation of a geotextile membrane to improve ground stability
Placement and compaction of a crushed concrete sub-base
Formation of access tracks and working areas to support construction

This created a solid and reliable base for the structure and future site use.

Foundations & Structural Base

A series of reinforced concrete foundation bases were installed to support the steel portal frame. These were carefully set out and constructed to ensure structural integrity and alignment with the building design.

In addition, we delivered:

A reinforced concrete floor slab with a power float finish for durability
An external concrete apron designed to handle heavy vehicle movements
Integrated joints and reinforcement to maximise lifespan and performance

Drainage Infrastructure

Effective drainage was a key component of the project. Our team installed a stormwater drainage system, including pipework and a soakaway solution, to manage surface water and protect the building and surrounding areas from water-related issues.

Steel Portal Frame Building

The main structure comprised a steel portal frame building measuring approximately 24m x 12m, 6m to eaves height.

The building was designed and erected with strength and efficient in mind, featuring:

Structural steel frame with integrated bracing systems
Insulated composite panel roof with roof lights for natural daylight
A mix of composite cladding and timber boarding for durability and ventilation
Precast concrete panels to lower wall sections for impact resistance

The building was also designed to be solar PV ready, supporting future sustainability initiatives.

Access & Finishing Elements

To complete the facility, we installed:

An electrically operated roller shutter door for large vehicle access
A secure personnel access door
Rainwater goods, flashings, and finishing details to ensure weather protection and longevity

The Result

The completed building provides Victoria Farm with a high-quality, versatile agricultural facility designed to meet both current and future operational needs.

Key outcomes include:

A durable and low-maintenance structure built for long-term use
Improved site accessibility and usability
Effective drainage and ground stability
A flexible internal space suitable for a range of agricultural applications

Project Value

This project demonstrates Smart CI Group's ability to deliver end-to-end construction solutions, combining groundworks, civil engineering, and structural steel expertise within a single, coordinated delivery.

By managing every stage of the project, we ensured consistent quality control, an efficient project coordination and a smooth transition between each phase of works.