South Pavilion, Wooton, Buckinghamshire by Martin UK

This property was one of two identical Lodge Buildings adjacent to the main entrance gates of an exceptional country mansion originally built for the Gladstone Family.

Over the decades the two Lodge Buildings (North and South Pavilion) had fallen into disrepair so the owners decided to carry out the long overdue renovation works.

Phase one encompassed the external fabric of the building for which Martin UK Ltd were engaged to carryour the remedial roofing works. The existing roof structure and coverings had deteriorated to such a degree over the years that the decision was taken to completely strip the existing coverings to allow some essential structural repairs to be carried out, together with the formation of the perimeter cantelever gutters/cornice as well as the dormer window structure and main flat roof area.

As this project was constantly monitered by English Heritage and Conservation Authorities it was a very delicate process of redesigning the perimeter gutters to conform the Current Industry Standards whilst also encompassig the requirements of the Heritage and Conservation Authorities.

However after many weeks of discussion and redesign, a suitable construction plan was established and woks commenced.

All of the existing sheet lead that was removed from the roof was sent away for recycling and was eventually returned to site in the form of Traditional Cast Lead manufactured in predetermined code 6, 7 and 8 sizes.

The gutters / cornice / dormers were releaded, pitched elevations were felt / battened / tiled (Ashbury handmade clay tiles), the bullnose ventilated drop fascial detail was lead clad and the main flat roof area relaid with code 7 and 8 cast lead bays.

Finally the old weather vane tower and dome were recovered and brought back to its former glory.

The existing ornamental lead rainwater pipe system was also renewed as the originals had been damaged /. vandalised / failed through thermal fatigue.

The nine rainwater stacks were removed, new purpose made code 7 lead rainwater pipes together with ornamental collars were manufactured at our workshops, transported to site and secrete fixed with mechanical fixings and resin anchors to the face of the building envelope.

On completion of this tricky but interesting project, we are proud to say that the Client, Professional and Construction teams, Heritage and Conservation Autorities were all extremely pleased witht he finished product of restoring South Pavilion to its original glory.

To find out more about Martin UK, the restoration contractor for this project visit www.martinukltd.co.uk