Projects Latest Company Contact

Wentworth Castle Glasshouse

Award-winning restoration of the Grade II* listed glasshouse, with new entry building.

Arts & Culture
  • When we were appointed to the Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust the glasshouse was badly corroded, missing the majority of the original glazing and overgrown by Rhododendron.

    On the Buildings at Risk Register, the entire frame was supported by a temporary steel structure and access for the condition survey was undertaken in Kevlar suits to protect from the risk of falling glass.

    The trust had actively been seeking to secure the glasshouse’s future for ten years since narrowly missing out on winning the TV series restoration; finally gaining the backing of the HLF and EH.

  • Wentworth Castle Glasshouse
  • Wentworth Castle Glasshouse

    Components of the frame were repaired and replaced as per the engineers’ report. Where the frame was replaced we took casts of the original and created new molds. Where possible we have specified higher performing contemporary elements for the glasshouse, combating the issues that caused significant damage whilst retaining the integrity of the structure. For example, the main structural columns had integral rainwater down pipes.

    Working with a specialist manufacturer we specified ductile iron to be used for the frame as it remains close to the original cast iron but is less susceptible to erosion.

  • Our project brief was to conserve where possible, and restore the glasshouse; designing a new extension to act as visitor gateway to the grade I listed parkland. Initial archival research and review from the structural engineers identified how much of the structure could be restored and what needed to be replaced. After the remaining glazing was removed, the entire structure was labelled, dismantled and taken off site to a controlled environment.

    Wentworth Castle Glasshouse
    Wentworth Castle Glasshouse
  • Wentworth Castle Glasshouse
  • On the columns, we designed access panels to the internal down pipes to allow for maintenance and lined them with bitumen paint. We also created new spitters to sit on the perimeter gutters and, taking precedent from archival research, designed the new crested ridge piece which had been lost from the original.

  • All glazing had to match the thin profile of the original agricultural glass whilst being strong enough for snow loads, and to allow public use of the restored building. A specialist hand drawn glass was specified that matched the specifications whilst retaining the visual imperfections of the original glazing.

    Wentworth Castle Glasshouse
    Wentworth Castle Glasshouse
  • Wentworth Castle Glasshouse

    A new extension has been designed, sitting on the footprint of the original potting shed, and providing facilities that allow flexible use of the glasshouse for events and education groups. Working with URS on the landscape proposals, the glasshouse has a dedicated terrace with open vistas across the listed parkland so integrating the building to the wider ‘World at Wentworth’ visitor attraction.

  • Wentworth Castle Glasshouse

  • Civic Trust Conservation Award 2015: Winner
    National Lottery Awards 2011: Shortlisted

You may also be interested in:

  • Chester Farm

    Chester Farm

    Converting a farm complex on a site of archaeological significance into a new visitor destination.

    Arts & Culture Workplace
  • Clitheroe Castle Museum

    Clitheroe Castle Museum

    Creating a delicate balance between new and old at Clitheroe Castle Museum.

    Arts & Culture
  • Stockwood Discovery Centre

    Stockwood Discovery Centre

    Significant redevelopment and new building project at one of Luton’s most popular family attractions

    Arts & Culture
  • Norton Priory Museums and Gardens, a project by Buttress Architects

    Norton Priory Museum and Gardens

    Redeveloping and extending a museum located on a site of international archaeological importance.

    Arts & Culture
  • Quarry Bank

    Quarry Bank

    Telling the whole story of the Quarry Bank estate for the first time.

    Arts & Culture
Buttress Projects Wentworth Castle Glasshouse
Buttress logo
41 Bengal Street Manchester M4 6AF +44 (0)161 236 3303 contact@buttress.net

© 2017 Buttress Ltd.

Privacy & Terms Registered in England no. 05363573 VAT no. 403655177