Issue 42 summer 24 web - Flipbook - Page 97
Protecting the camellias throughout the construction
process was another major challenge for the team. The
extensive lime pointing repairs, groundworks, and installation of a new glazed roof above the treasured plants generated dust and had the potential to reduce critical light
levels. To mitigate these issues, comprehensive protection
measures were implemented, including netting to reduce
dust transfer, and the installation of specialist LED lighting
and light tunnels while the internal scaffolding was in
place.
Gemma Shahjahan, Business Development Director at
William Birch said “it is fantastic to work with clients who
recognise that the skills craftspeople used centuries ago
to build sites like Wentworth Woodhouse are still vitally
important to the heritage sector today. It's crucial they are
passed down to the next generation and the Trust is
playing a pivotal role in making this happen. The Trust is
wholly committed to supporting heritage skills crafts and
we believe that our partnership together is making a
difference”.
Simon said “in all of our experience of working within
some of the most high-profile heritage environments over
the years we have protected some incredible historic artefacts, heritage features, memorials, statues and many
pieces of priceless art, but this is the first time our teams
were faced with protecting plants of such a rare species at
the heart of a building project. Our principles were the
same, robust planning, meticulous attention to detail and
collaboration with experts in their field”.
Since completing the Camellia House restoration William
Birch have been working with the Trust and the specialist
team at architects Donald Insall on the next major phase
of development of the site, to restore part of the expansive
Stable Block at Wentworth Woodhouse. Work is
currently in progress and scheduled for completion later
this year.
Contact
Gemma Shahjahan – Business Development Director
Gemma.shahjahan@williambirch.co.uk
www.williambirch.co.uk
Outside of the practicalities of the refurbishment works
William Birch worked closely with the trust in their
endeavours to create a fully inclusive world class visitor
offer of exceptional quality, whilst providing training, work
experience and job opportunities for the communities of
South Yorkshire. Using the project at the Camellia House,
and an adjacent restoration project of the Ionic Temple,
just metres away, WWPT hosted 19 trainees from the
north of England to take part in a programme to help
address severe shortages in the skills needed to save
historic buildings. The summer school, staged by Historic
England, was held during the works on site and the team
at William Birch supported this in their programme of
works.
Above, Camellia House
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