Issue 42 summer 24 web - Flipbook - Page 96
completion of the
Camellia House project
York-based William Birch & Sons Ltd are a principal contractor with a rich heritage in restoration
and refurbishment. Celebrating 150 years in business this year they reflect on the completion of the
Camellia House project at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
When presented with a Grade II* listed heritage asset
with the roof falling in and a collection of 250-year-old
rare camellia trees growing through the middle of the
building, you know you are going to have to engage in
effective collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders
for a successful project, treat the camellias with the
respect they deserve and develop a sustainable facility that
inspires, is inclusive and meets demanding budgets and
timescales.
Simon Potter, Construction Director at William Birch &
Sons Ltd said “For the Trust, standards of quality across
the site are of the highest importance. It is clear from the
existing heritage assets that the finest quality has been
sought over the centuries, WWPT are meeting this
challenge in their redevelopment plans, assessing, and
monitoring standards of workmanship at every stage of
the process”.
Sampling, for example, has been a large part of the quality
management strategy at the Camellia House, particularly
the specialist bespoke joinery and ornate plasterwork
which has been matched to existing plasterwork in the
main house on the site. Simon continued “Mock-ups of
windows, mortar sampling and joinery elements have
all been provided to meet expectations and continue
Wentworth’s journey of excellence”.
The team at William Birch & Sons Ltd stepped up to this
challenge and the project was the start of the relationship
between William Birch and Wentworth Woodhouse
Preservation Trust (WWPT).
The Trust's commitment to the symbiotic relationship
between the built and natural environment permeated
through the team. The camellias became the heart of the
project, the raison d’etre of the Camellia House and the
subject of many camera crews, horticulture experts and
the local community. They were protected at all costs and
every person had their part to play. Architects, engineers,
horticulture experts, specialist sub-contractors and
suppliers met weekly to review progress and resolve key
challenges. The camellias thrived through it all and now
take pride of place in the restored Camellia House.
As expected with a building of this age and condition,
there have been challenges along the way, not least the
structural form of the existing building. The Camellia
House had tilted 200mm from north to south and 200mm
from east to west over the decades, making it difficult to
fit the new rigid glazed roof onto its twisted structure.
Successfully accomplishing this, along with extensive
repointing and stonework repairs, was a significant
achievement in the progress of the scheme.
Below, Camellia House – Exterior
Conservation & Heritage Journal
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