,

Knole

Location: Sevenoaks

Client: National Trust

Architect: Rodney Melville

Value: £2.5M

Knole is a Grade I listed country house and one of England’s most significant historic estates, under the care of the National Trust since 1946.

The ‘Inspired by Knole’ project delivered a multi-phase programme to conserve the estate and enhance visitor experience, including new conservation studios and improved public facilities.

The project required adaptation of historic buildings for new uses while preserving their significance. Key challenges included upgrading structural capacity for increased visitor access, integrating new services into sensitive historic fabric, and converting ancillary buildings into conservation and visitor facilities without compromising their character.

SFK Consulting undertook detailed structural assessments and developed conservation-led solutions across the estate.

This included load assessments for new visitor routes, structural interventions within attic spaces, and enabling conversion of the barn and hayloft into conservation studios. Works were carefully coordinated to integrate modern services within the historic structure.

The project successfully enhanced access, conservation capability and visitor facilities across the estate.

New conservation studios support on-site preservation of collections, while improved public spaces accommodate increased visitor numbers. Structural interventions ensured safe, sustainable use of the buildings while maintaining their historic integrity for future generations.

Project Categories

New Buildings Education Country Houses Historic Parks & Gardens Commercial Residential Ancient Monuments Ecclesiastical Agricultural & Industrial Post-Fire Restoration

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