Ditchley Park Rotunda >
Refurbishment works to the Grade I listed conference venue in Oxfordshire and the Grade II Listed Rotunda within the grounds. The Rotunda, designed in 1760 by Stiff Leadbetter for the Earl of Litchfield, is the principal focal point at the end of the lake.
LOCATION: OXFORDSHIRE
CLIENT: DITCHLEY FOUNDATION
PROJECT VALUE: CONFIDENTIAL
DATE: 2023
The Challenge
There was a significant amount of mortar loss to the tunnel walls and roof of the rotunda due to water ingress through the earth access ramp to the first floor. We specified that the walls should be sympathetically repaired and repointed in lime mortar. The issue of the water ingress needed to be addressed to prevent further water damage.
The SOLID Approach
It was decided the least intrusive approach, with respect to the historic fabric of the structure, was to introduce an impermeable membrane and drainage layer over the tunnel structure, hidden within the access ramp. Rainwater run-off would then be collected and discharged via a French drain away from the structure, in line with SuDS principles.
