Walled Gardens - Condition Survey and Recommendations

Penllergare Valley Woods

Conditions Survey and Recommendations

Revision A

Penllergare Valley Woods October 2008


October 2008

0. Introduction and General Notes on Repair 0.1 This report was compiled by Caroe and Partners (98 Cardiff Road, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5

2DT) for Nicholas Pearson Associates to assess the condition of the existing structures on the site and to suggest a methodology for repair. In order to do this each area has been separately assessed for condition followed by an outline suggestion of works required.

0.2 This report is based on a non invasive visual survey and will require more archaeological input. All walls will need to be archeologically interpreted prior to works commencing and this interpretation should be used to further inform the repairs and reconstruction.

0.3 All wall rebuilding work and repointing should be undertaken using hydraulic lime and aggregates to match existing and NOT gauged with cement.

0.4 Fell all trees within 3m of structures to be retained as indicated on the site plan. The drawings only show the larger trees and it should also be assumed that other woody growth and saplings within 3m of structures should be removed.

0.5 The intention is that the contractor should allow for training own apprentices and site staff and volunteers to carry out minor maintenance work including repairs to low walls and repointing. This will allow minor works to be undertaken once the contract is completed.

0.6 Allow for measures necessary on discovery of protected species of wildlife. The most likely protected species on this site are bats and method statements should be provided to cover if they are found. If a large roost is discovered then there is a possibility that a temporary bat home may need to be provided whilst works are carried out.

0.7 Method statements should be provided for all works. In particular a method statement considering how trees and branches should be removed in close proximity to unstable walls.

0.8 Parts of the site, in particular around the observatory, are waterlogged. To prevent unnecessary damage to the ground allowance should be made to provide duckboards on chicken mesh for access to all areas.

0.9 There is a large concrete yard at the south west corner of the site adjacent to the Frameyard and Pineapple house which can be accessed from the public highway and can be used by the contractor. Within the walled garden the contractor must only use mechanised equipment that can fit through the existing narrow doorways this is due to the long term damage that heavy equipment can cause to sensitive garden areas.

0.10 Agree precise scope of work before commencing. 0.11 When rebuilding substantial parts of any walls slate slips should be inserted to subtly

demark the old from the new. 0.12 Photograph all areas which are in danger of collapse or in need of rebuilding prior to

works commencing.

Site Plan (NTS)

5. Orchid House

4. Vinery

1. Old Kennels 2. Heather

House

3. Pond and Rock Garden

8. Frameyard and Pineapple

House

7. Young Gardners Quarters

with Stores

9. Gothic Gardner’s Cottage

10. Gardner’s Cottage

6. Walled Garden


1. OLD KENNELS (1:200)


View 2

View 3

View 1

High Garden Walls Requiring Minor Works

High Garden Walls Requiring Rebuilding

Buildings to be Restored to Original Condition

Low Walls to be conserved for future rebuilding

Areas to be Interpreted for Visitors Trees Within 3m of Walls to be Removed


October 2008

1. Old Kennels 1.1 Current condition and Intended Use It is by no means certain that this area actually was kennels however it appears likely that that was the original purpose of this area. This area, of predominately low walls, is very overgrown with a considerable portion of the walls heavily distorted by trees growing amongst the stones. This gives concern about the precarious nature of the wall giving danger of localised collapse. 1.2 Suggested Works Required 1.2.1 The large trees in the north wall, with diameter of 100mm or greater, should be cut

back to picturesque lines, height to be agreed on site with Architect. Rebed loose stones in wall and repoint wall tops.

1.2.2 Carefully remove all sappy woody vegetation up to a diameter of 100mm, including ivy, brambles, bushes, and all other woody growth embedded in and immediately adjacent to the walls.

1.2.3 Remove all undergrowth within this space to provide a clear area that could be used for a small marquee

1.2.4 Walls that have been distorted by large trees should be consolidated in situ. 1.2.5 Photograph all areas that are in danger of collapse or need rebuilding to ensure that

their character can be preserved. 1.2.6 Take down unstable areas to the minimum necessary to remove roots growing in the

wall. 1.2.7 Treat roots that cannot be removed without destruction of the wall should be cut off

as low as possible and treated. 1.2.8 Weathering including moss and lichen should where possible be left in place and if re-

laid the weathered side should always face outwards. 1.2.9 Ensure that all rebuilt stone is packed in well with mortar. Fill all voids to ensure that

stonework is stable. 1.2.10 Patch repoint to avoid water traps where possible. 1.2.11 Expose 250mm at base of wall by removing accumulated debris. Rebuild pockets in

wall as necessary. 1.2.12 Level up for use as informal gathering space with sufficient room for a small marquee.

View 1—View of north wall showing the precarious nature of some of the stonework.


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View 2—View of west wall which is has less damage due to nature than the north wall.

View 3—View of north wall with trees growing through it in a picturesque form. At the base of the wall there is an arched opening which possi-bly led to one of the kennels.

2. HEATHER HOUSE (1:100)


View 1

View 2

View 1

View 4







October 2008

2. Heather House 2.1 Current condition and Intended Use The heather house consists of a spine wall onto which a timber and glass roof was mounted. Inside there were low stone walls producing raised beds for cultivation. The spine wall appears to be in moderate condition as do the raised beds however they are very overgrown. At present it is not intended to restore this area with the aim being to carry out the minimum works necessary in order to consolidate and protect the remaining structures for possible future restoration. As with other areas that are to be consolidated it is vitally important that this consolidation provides a safe environment for visitors. 2.2 Suggested Works Required 2.2.1 Carefully remove all woody vegetation, including ivy, brambles, bushes, and all other

woody growth embedded in and immediately adjacent to the walls. 2.2.2 Solid woody growth (not sappy), within the wall cores, may be left if the resulting

disturbance of stonework is unacceptable. Retention of any woody growth is to be agreed on site.

2.2.3 For all the walls in this area assume that 15% of the surface area will require repointing in order to ensure preservation. The location of these areas is to be agreed.

2.2.4 All walls bar the main spine wall within this area should be revealed and stabilised. Locally rebed loose and dislodged stones and create mortar haunch to top of wall preventing water traps. Cover top of wall with 2 layers of turf cut by machine and sourced from the site. The first layer of turf should be laid upside down with the upper layer laid with the grass side uppermost and secured by pegs where necessary. Where top wall is less than 250mm above finished ground level the turf should be carried on down to completely cover the wall. Ideally the turfing of the walls should be undertaken between September and the end of February to try and ensure survival.

2.2.5 The spine wall is to be rebuilt to the level of its original coping. Where the coping stones are not present they should if possible be found in the vicinity and if this is not possible other suitable stones should be substituted. Where there is danger of water ponding at the top of the wall a discrete mortar haunch should be built over these areas to create a level top.

View 1—View showing spine wall of heather house with one of the original coping stones clearly showing. View 2—View along the length of the heather house from the walled garden end clearly showing the raised beds and dividing walls.


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View 4— View of the entrance to Heather House adjacent to main wall of garden.

View 3—View along the length of the heather house towards the walled garden showing the condition of the spine wall and the raised bed alongside it.

3. POND AND ROCK GARDEN (1:200)


View 1

View 2

View 3







October 2008

3. Pond and Rock Garden 3.1 Current condition and Intended Use The pond and rock garden consists of a 2.6m high dividing wall to the south which is in moderate condition and all other walls are low and very overgrown. At present it is not intended to restore this area and the aim is to carry out the minimum works necessary in order to consolidate and protect the low walls for possible future restoration and repair the high wall. As with other areas that are to be consolidated it is vitally important that this consolidation provides a safe environment for visitors. 3.2 Suggested Works Required 3.2.1 Carefully remove all woody vegetation, including ivy, brambles, bushes, and all other



3.2.3 All low walls within this area should be revealed and stabilised. Locally rebed loose and dislodged stones and create mortar haunch to top of wall preventing water traps. Cover top of wall with 2 layers of turf cut by machine and sourced from the site. The first layer of turf should be laid upside down with the upper layer laid with the grass side uppermost and secured by pegs where necessary. Where top wall is less than 250mm above finished ground level the turf should be carried on down to completely cover the wall. Ideally the turfing of the walls should be undertaken between September and the end of February to try and ensure survival.

3.2.4 Assume that for the high wall to the south of this area the top 300mm of the wall should be rebuilt for 90% of the wall where the coping stones are missing and for 25% of the wall where the coping stones are still present. Allow for the south face of the wall to be repointed. Any holes and joints in the wall should be filled full face with lime mortar to inhibit slugs and snails.

3.2.5 Central pond to be fully restored by garden staff and garden volunteers.


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View 1—View towards the high south wall of the pond and rock garden area.

View 2—View showing the lo-cation and remains of the central pond.

View 3—View along the path between the main wall of the walled garden and the low eastern retaining wall of the pond and rock garden area.

4. VINERY (1:250)


View 1 View 2 View 3

View 4

View 5 View 6

View 7

View 8







October 2008

4. Vinery 4.1 Current condition and Intended Use The main spine wall that divides the Vinery from the Vinery boiler house is of a similar scale and condition to the majority of the main garden walls. Great care should be taken as in places the walls, which are more than 4m high, and vaulted chamber of the boiler house are in a very structurally precarious condition. It is intended to repair and refurbish the boiler house walls and floors to a good serviceable condition for visitor interpretation, with partial reuse as storage. However it IS not likely that they will be used to heat the vinery. The Vinery consisted of a timber frame glasshouse built off low level stone walls with a mono pitch roof resting against the spine wall. It is intended to rebuild the vinery to its original condition. 4.2 Suggested Works Required 4.2.1 Carefully remove all woody vegetation, including ivy, brambles, bushes, and all other



4.2.3 Allow for salvaging as many loose stones found adjacent to the building as possible. Allow for sourcing and providing imported stone (either salvaged or new) to make up the shortfall.

4.2.4 The remains of the heating chambers below ground level in the boiler house side of the building should be made safe and consolidated for visitor interpretation.

4.2.5 The chimney stacks and their associated chimney pots on the main spine wall should be rebuilt and it should be assumed that there are a total of 4 of these stacks.

4.2.6 Rebuild damaged section of spine wall above former opening to boiler room. Where building on top of existing walls allow for repointing entire wall and taking down to a stable level to support the new wall above. For the remainder of the high spine wall assume the top 300mm of the wall should be rebuilt for 90% of the wall where the coping stones are missing and for 25% of the wall where the coping stones are still present. Allow both the faces of the wall to be repointed. Any holes and joints in the wall facing into the glasshouse should be filled full face with lime mortar to inhibit slugs and snails. Provisionally allow for the replacement of 90% of the coping stones.

4.2.7 Take down and rebuild all other unstable and missing areas of wall in matching stonework.

4.2.8 Original internal floor finish to vinery should be uncovered if possible however if not present to be brick laid on face on free draining compacted gravel.

4.2.9 Allow for lead flashings to protect the tops of walls where the stone walls have timber greenhouse construction built on top of them.

4.2.10 Consolidate and rebuild where necessary raised beds. 4.2.11 Main structure of the greenhouse to be constructed from good quality painted

softwood with toughened glass panels, suitable for visitor and volunteer access. 4.2.12 Allow for new gutters, downpipes and other rain water goods which are to be

painted cast iron. Some of the rainwater from these rain water goods should be collected in a water storage tank with soakaways provided for the surplus.

4.2.13 All doors to be painted softwood with oak lintels on DPC. 4.2.14 Provide a price if only one half of the glasshouse, by length, is to be restored. It should

be assumed that this would be the western half which is in better condition that the eastern one.


Vinery

Assumed Section (1:75)

Vinery Boiler Rooms

Historic Photograph of the Vinery


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View 1—View showing how nature has taken over parts of the boiler house area. View 2—View of the gable at the west end of the boiler house range.

View 3—View of the external walls of one of the boiler houses.

View 4—View showing the vaulted undercroft area below the westernmost of the boiler houses. This view clearly shows the amount of debris that has accumulated in this area.


View 5—View of the western gable of the glass house. View 6—View looking towards the western gable showing the raised beds adjacent to the main spine wall.

View 7—View showing the ra-sied beds and also the iron-work that is still visisble at the edge of the raised bed.

View 8—View of the spine wall with the iron rails that were used to secure the wires onto which the peach trees were trained.

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5. ORCHID HOUSE AND POND (1:200)


View 1

View 4

View 3

View 5 View 6

View 4







October 2008

5. Orchid House 5.1 Current condition and Intended Use The Orchid house and its associated buildings are a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The majority of the walls of the main orchid house appear to be in a poor state of repair. There is a great danger of collapse on the east gable wall. The intention is to restore the main orchid house to its original condition however it is not envisaged that the heating will be restored to full working order. The associated structures that provided the ‘artificial climate’ to allow the orchids to thrive are to be excavated and interpretation boards are to be provided to allow visitors to understand the workings of these buildings. It is unclear how these elements worked and a detailed study will be required before works can commence. 5.2 Suggested Works Required 5.2.1 Carefully remove all woody vegetation, including ivy, brambles, bushes, and all other




5.2.4 The main orchid hose is to be rebuilt to its original form in matching stonework. Take down and rebuild all other unstable and missing areas of wall.

5.2.5 Rebuild gable end including new stone voussoir arch. 5.2.6 Where building on top of existing walls allow for repointing entire wall and taking

down to a stable level to support the new wall above. Rebuild damaged existing walls and allow both the faces of the wall to be repointed. Any holes and joints in the wall facing into the orchid house should be filled full face with lime mortar to inhibit slugs and snails.

5.2.7 Original internal floor finish to orchid house should be uncovered if possible however if not present to be paving brick laid on face on free draining compacted gravel.

5.2.8 Allow for lead flashings to protect top of walls where the stone walls have timber greenhouse construction built on top of them.

5.2.9 Main structure of the greenhouse to be constructed from good quality painted softwood with 4mm horticultural glass panels.

5.2.10 All doors to be painted softwood with oak lintels on DPC. 5.2.11 Consolidate and rebuild where necessary raised beds and rockery. 5.2.12 Investigate if there are any remains of the stone tables to the side walls of that Orchid

House and allow fro completely rebuilding them with new stone to match existing as necessary.

5.2.13 Allow for new gutters, downpipes and other rain water goods which are to be painted cast iron. Some of the rainwater from these rain water goods should be fed to water storage tank(s) with soakaways provided for the surplus.

5.2.14 For the associated structures in general there should be minimal rebuilding of the walls however in some places small scale repair and stabilisation may be required to aid interpretation.

5.2.15 Central pond to be fully restored by garden staff and volunteers.



Artists Impression of Orchid House


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View 1—View of the external face of the south wall of the main orchid house.

View 2—View of the internal face of the south wall of the main orchid house. This view also shows part of the central raised bed within the orchid house.

View 3—View showing the eastern gable of the main or-chid house.


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View 4—View of the southern end of the service building that ensured the climate was suitable within the main orchid house.

View 5—View of one of the tanks/boiler rooms within the orchid house service building.

View 6—View of steps down into one of the tanks/boiler rooms within the orchid house service building.

6. GARDEN WALL (1:500)


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View 5

View 4

View 6 View 7

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View 9

View 10







October 2008

6. Garden Wall 7.1 Current condition and Intended Use The main walls creating the walled garden on first sight are in remarkably good condition in comparison to the other structures on the site. Where the original flagstone copings are still in place the condition is particularly good. There are a few distinct areas where there has been large scale collapse of these walls with these areas usually occurring at the original openings in the wall as shown on the drawing. It is intended that the enclosing walls of the walled garden should be rebuilt to their original condition on the garden side with the outer side only being rebuilt to a slightly lesser standard with repointing only occurring on rebuilt sections or small pockets that are particularly bad. 7.2 Suggested Works Required 7.2.1 Carefully remove all woody vegetation, including ivy, brambles, bushes, and all other

woody growth embedded in and immediately adjacent to the walls. If possible cut ivy should be allowed to die back before removal.

7.2.2 Solid woody growth (not sappy), within the wall cores, may be left if the resulting disturbance of stonework is unacceptable. Retention of any woody growth is to be agreed on site.

7.2.3 Cut down large free limbs that are bearing down on or over the wall. 7.2.4 The walls are to be rebuilt to their original form in matching stonework. It should be

noted that the type of stonework varies on the different walls. 7.2.5 The walls surrounding the walled garden have an average height of 3.3 metres.

Allow for the internal faces of the main wall surrounding the garden to be repointed. Any holes and joints in the wall should be filled full face with lime mortar to inhibit slugs and snails. External faces should be repointed locally where necessary.

7.2.6 In an average 10m length of the wall allow for 10 areas of opening up, cutting out and rebuilding of wall where woody growth has taken a clear hold. It should be allowed for the average size of these areas to be 300 x 300mm wall face area.

7.2.7 Clear and set aside packets of fallen stonework for reuse. Ensure that stonework is sorted locally to suit differing walls constructions. Clean off mortar from stone for reuse.

7.2.8 Assume that the top 300mm of the wall should be rebuilt for 90% of the wall where the coping stones are missing and fro 25% of the wall where the coping stones are still present. Provisionally allow for the replacement of 90% of the coping stones. Allow for the rebuilding of 4 no. voussoir arches over damaged openings in the wall.

7.2.9 Install 5 no. iron gates to all original openings in wall for security reasons. 7.2.10 Where building on top of existing walls allow for repointing entire wall and taking

down to a stable level to support the new wall above.


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View 1—North wall.

View 2—West wall.

View 3—South wall.


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View 4—East wall.

View 5—Hole in west wall around the two entrance doors.

View 6—Damage to central part of south wall on either side of original opening.


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View 7—Damage to the south east corner of the walled gar-den.

View 8—Damage over the arched doorway in the east wall.

View 9—Typical arched door-way in the south west corner of the garden. View 10—Tree growing out of east wall.

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7. YOUNG GARDNERS QUARTERS WITH STORES (1:200)


View 1 View 2 View 3

View 4

View 5 View 6

View 7







October 2008

7. Young Gardener’s Quarters with Stores 7.1 Current condition and Intended Use The walls for these areas are generally in a poor condition however the spine wall is still more than 3m high in places. The original fire place openings are still present in three of the rooms. It is intended that these spaces will be wholly stabilised and converted (in a reversible manner) to provide facilities for staff working in the walled gardens. These areas are likely to consist of rest areas, mess areas, training room, toilet facilities and store rooms. 7.2 Suggested Works Required 7.2.1 Carefully remove all woody vegetation, including ivy, brambles, bushes, and all other



7.2.3 The walls of the building are to be built up to their original heights, in matching stonework, taking care to take down and rebuild all unstable areas of wall. External faces of walls should be rendered and internal faces limewashed.

7.2.4 Where building on top of existing walls allow for repointing entire wall and taking down to a stable level to support the new wall above.

7.2.5 It should be allowed for one of the 3 flues to be rebuilt to a serviceable condition for use. Install one woodstove.

7.2.6 Internal floor finish to gardener’s quarters and stores to be limecrete. 7.2.7 All doors to be painted softwood with oak lintels on DPC. 7.2.8 All windows to be painted softwood with oak lintels on DPC with painted softwood

shutters. 7.2.9 Allow for salvaging as many loose stones found adjacent to the building as possible.

Allow for sourcing and providing imported stone (either salvaged or new) to make up the shortfall.

7.2.10 Electrics are to be provided for this building. 7.2.11 It should be allowed for composting WC facilities to be provided in this area with the

associated services they require. 7.2.12 Provide new roof complete in SW cut roof construction with a reclaimed Welsh slate

or zinc covering. It should be allowed for the roof to be insulated over the mess and training room areas to the east of the spine wall. One metal rooflight should be allowed in each of the three mess and training rooms.

7.2.13 Allow for new gutters, downpipes and other rain water goods which are to be zinc galvanised steel. Some of the rainwater from these rain water goods should be collected in water storage tanks with soakaways provided for the surplus.


Stores Mess and Training Rooms


Sketch Perspective (NTS)


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View 1—View of fire place in the southern gable wall. View 2—View of fire place in the middle gable wall.

View 3—View of the spine wall dividing the gardeners' quar-ters from the stores.

View 4—View of the north end of the stores area.


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View 5—View of the middle of the stores area looking at the spine wall.

View 6—View along the stores area towards the south.

View 7—View showing where the spine wall of the garden-ers' quarters and stores meets the south west corner of the walled garden.

8. FRAMEYARD AND PINEAPPLE HOUSE (1:200)


View 2 View 1

View 3

View 4

View 5

View 6







October 2008

8. Frameyard and Pineapple House 8.1 Current condition and Intended Use Little is left of the framehouse and pineapple house with most to the remaining walls being less than 500mm high. The exception is the northern wall of the structure that runs adjacent and parallel to the main wall of the garden. Much of this wall is more than a metre tall and shows the remains of relatively elaborate alcoves with arches over. Most of this area is relatively overgrown. At present it is not intended to restore this area and the aim is to carry out the minimum works necessary in order to consolidate and protect the remaining structures for possible future restoration and to enable the frameyard to be used with new cold frames. As with other areas that are to be consolidated it is vitally important that this consolidation provides a safe environment for visitors. 8.2 Suggested Works Required 8.2.1 Carefully remove all woody vegetation, including ivy, brambles, bushes, and all other



8.2.3 For all the walls in this area assume that 15% of the surface area will require repointing in order to ensure preservation. The location of these areas is to be agreed.

8.2.4 All walls within this area should be revealed and stabilised. Locally rebed loose and dislodged stones and create mortar haunch to top of wall preventing water traps. Cover top of wall with 2 layers of turf cut by machine and sourced from the site. The first layer of turf should be laid upside down with the upper layer laid with the grass side uppermost and secured by pegs where necessary. Where top wall is less than 250mm above finished ground level the turf should be carried on down to completely cover the wall. Ideally the turfing of the walls should be undertaken between September and the end of February to try and ensure survival.


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View 1—View across the frameyard towards the south west corner of the walled gar-den.

View 2—View across the frameyard in an easterly direc-tion adjacent to the walled garden.

View 3—View across the frameyard towards the south-ern gable of the gardeners' quarters..


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View 4—View showing the framehouse nearest to the walled garden.

View 5—View showing the elaborate arched construction of the framehouse nearest to the walled garden.

View 6—View diagonally across the frameyard in a south easterly direction.

9. GOTHIC GARDNERS COTTAGE (1:100)


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October 2008

9. Gothic Gardener’s Cottage 9.1 Current condition and Intended Use It is envisaged that the gothic gardener’s cottage is to be used as a shelter or refreshment area for those visiting the garden. At present all the walls of this building with the exception of the extension to the main garden wall are in poor condition. In order to provide this facility it is to be rebuilt to be watertight and to match its original condition. 9.2 Suggested Works Required 9.2.1 Carefully remove all woody vegetation, including ivy, brambles, bushes, and all other




9.2.4 Internal floor finish to gothic gardener’s cottage to be limecrete. 9.2.5 Electrics are to be provided for this building. 9.2.6 The walls of the building are to be built up to their original heights, in matching

stonework, taking care to take down and rebuild all unstable areas of wall. 9.2.7 All doors to be painted softwood with oak lintels on DPC. 9.2.8 All windows to be painted softwood with oak lintels on DPC. 9.2.9 Provide new roof complete in SW cut roof construction with a reclaimed Welsh slate

covering. 9.2.10 Where building on top of existing walls allow for repointing entire wall and taking

down to a stable level to support the new wall above. 9.2.11 Allow for new gutters, downpipes and other rain water goods which are to be cast

iron. Some of the rainwater from these rain water goods should be collected in water storage tanks with soakaways provided for the surplus.


Gothic Gardner's’ Quarters



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View 1—View towards the main spin wall of that sup-ported the upper end of the lean to roof that used to cover the gothic gardeners' cottage.

View 2—View of the southern gable of the gothic gardeners’ cottage taken from within the building. View 3—View of the northern gable of the gothic gardeners’ cottage taken from within the building.

View 4—View along the east-ern lower wall of the gothic gardners cottage.

10. GARDNERS COTTAGE (1:100)


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October 2008

10. Gardner’s Cottage 10.1 Current condition and Intended Use It is intended that this building should be renovated to provide training facilities for groups visiting and working on the site on the ground floor and a flat for the head gardener on the first floor. It is important that as much of the original structure is retained as possible. It should be stressed that due to the height and unstable nature of the walls in this building extreme caution is needed. 10.2 Suggested Works Required 10.2.1 Where building on top of existing walls allow for repointing entire wall and taking

down to a stable level to support the new wall above. 10.2.2 Solid woody growth (not sappy), within the wall cores, may be left if the resulting



10.2.4 Prop existing structure and agree extent of dismantling and rebuilding. 10.2.5 Where necessary replace existing external lintels with concrete lintels and render

over. 10.2.6 The walls of the building are to be built up, in matching stonework, to their original

heights taking care to take down and rebuild all unstable areas of wall. 10.2.7 Renew ground floor finish in limecrete and first floor construction should be reclaimed

floorboards on SW joists. Fire protection should be provided between the ground and first floors.

10.2.8 All doors to be painted softwood with oak lintels on DPC. 10.2.9 All windows to be painted softwood with double glazing with oak lintels on DPC. 10.2.10 Provide new roof complete in SW cut roof construction with a reclaimed Welsh slate

covering. 10.2.11 Allow for new gutters, downpipes and other rain water goods which are to be PVC-U.

Some of the rainwater from these rain water goods should be collected in plastic water buts with soakaways provided for the surplus.

View 1—View showing east elevation of cottage.


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Laboratory Wing

Observatory Drum

11. OBSERVATORY

Assumed Plan (1:100)

Assumed Laboratory Section (1:50)


Elevation (1:100)

Elevation (1:100)

Elevation (1:100) Assumed Wall Detail (1:5)


October 2008

11. Observatory 11.1 Current condition and Intended Use The observatory is a scheduled ancient monument and as such is of great historic interest. The building is divided into two sections, the observatory drum and the laboratory wing. The laboratory wing is of an unusual clay-tile block construction. There have been modern preservation works to the building which have limited decay and it is assumed that there is a roof over the laboratory wing vault however the scope of the survey did not allow confirmation of this. The clay-tile block walls have been poorly repaired and require urgent attention however the stone observatory drum is in reasonable condition with the exception of the string course around the top of it. The modern drum roof over the observatory drum provides some protection but would not function properly if the observatory is brought back into use. The existing timber flooring throughout the building is in a very poor condition and thus dangerous. It is envisaged that the observatory building will be restored to its original condition and assuming a suitable telescope can be found it will function as an observatory once more. 11.2 Suggested Works Required 11.2.1 Whole Building 11.2.1.1 Remove the overhanging sycamore and yew branches. 11.2.1.2 Remove all vegetation growing on the walls and gently wash clean all the

stonework and the clay-tile blocks. 11.2.1.3 Repoint 50% of the stone plinth. 11.2.1.4 Form ramped flagstone path to door. 11.2.1.5 Renew plastic pipes, shoes and hoppers in painted cast iron. 11.2.1.6 Renew clay gullies and if necessary repair below ground drainage. 11.2.1.7 Allow for the construction of a purpose made rotating dome. Structure to be

constructed from hardwood with a copper external skin. The workings for the rotating mechanism are still in place and if possible should be restored and reused. Side and roof shutters should be incorporated.

11.2.2 Laboratory Wing 11.2.2.1 Allow for the cutting out of the faces of approximately 80 severely damaged clay-

tile blocks per elevation for the three elevations of this wing. Pack out hollows in block and the faces should be rebuilt in 3 coats of lime mortar to a fine fair face.

11.2.2.2 Where there is slight damage to the faces of the clay-tile blocks a hole should be drilled through the face through which lime mortar is to be injected it inhibit further weather damage.

11.2.2.3 Take out and renew door and 2 number sash windows with internal shutters. Existing door is a stable type however a panelled replacement should be allowed for.

11.2.2.4 Minor repointing required to the copings. 11.2.2.5 Take out suspended timber floor completely. Clean out ventilation holes to floor

void. Construct 3 no 215 wide brick sleeper walls onto which new joists on DPCs should be positioned. Ensure that sufficient gaps are left in the sleeper walls to allow for adequate cross ventilation of floor void. Renew SW timber floor on new joists.

11.2.2.6 Renew water supply. 11.2.2.7 Strip out and renew all electrics and lights. Install frost guard electric heating. 11.2.2.8 Renew cracked stone cill on South West elevation. 11.2.2.9 Clean flue and repair and rehaunch stack and allow for the insertion of 2 no. cast


October 2008

iron ventilation grills in wall of laboratory wing. 11.2.2.10 Provisionally take down existing roof structure completely above the clay-tile

block barrel vault. Install completely new roof structure comprising SW cut roof and gutter framing. Allow for roof covering to be copper for the pitches and code 5 lead for the valley gutters.

11.2.2.11 For iron ties at ceiling level open up where ties enter wall as much as possible. For whole length of tie remove rust and apply Fertan rust convertor. Redecorate metalwork with primer and oil based paint.

11.2.2.12 Clean internal face of clay-tile block walls. 11.2.3 Observatory Drum 11.2.3.1 Allow for repointing the junctions between the drum and the Laboratory Wing. 11.2.3.2 Assume that 80% of the cornice to the drum will need renewing. Include for

releading over and the replacement of the roof drainage outlets between observatory drum and laboratory wing.

11.2.3.3 Take out any remnants of suspended timber floor completely. Frame out new timber floor using existing joist holes.

11.2.3.4 Recreate original internal finish to walls from tongue and grove boarding. This should be securely fixed to timbers inserted in the existing holes in the walls.

11.2.3.5 Carefully inspect the existing metal roof and assess if any of the mechanical rotating components can be reused.

11.2.3.6 Assume that the whole structure of the roof has to be renewed with a hardwood frame and copper cladding.


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View 1—Historic photograph showing the observatory soon after it was built. The photo-graph clearly shows that the shape of the observatory drum roof is similar to the current structure.

View 2—North elevation of ob-servatory in its present condi-tion.

View 3—South east elevation of observatory in its present condition. View 4—North east elevation of observatory in its present condition.


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View 5—View of typical weather damage to the cor-nice around the observatory drum. View 6—View showing the poor condition of the rain wa-ter goods.

View 7—View showing typical spalling to the clay tile blocks at the vulnerable corners of the laboratory wing. View 8—View showing an ex-ample of how the faces of the hollow clay tile blocks can blow with climatic action.

View 9—View of the drainage outlets at the base of the ob-servatory drum. View 10—View of one of the perforated blocks that allow for cross ventilation to the void under the laboratory floor.


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View 11—View of staircase going up from the laboratory to the observatory drum. Stairs are in a very poor and dan-gerous condition. View 12—View of fire place in laboratory.

View 13—View up into the roof of the observatory drum show-ing the opening portions in both the wall and roof to allow the telescope to view at differ-ent angles of elevation. View 14—View of the mount-ing pedestal where the tele-scope would have been lo-cated. The diameter of this increases gradually as it gets nearer the base to ensure sta-bility for the telescope.

View 15—View through the doorway linking the laboratory and the observatory drum. View 16—View showing the fir faced clay tile blocks to both the walls and the vaulted ceil-ing of the laboratory. Also visi-ble is one of the steel cross ties that stabilise the roof structure.

Documents

Walled Gardens - Condition Survey and Recommendations