Pitshill Shell House

Award Winning

Award Winning

Location: Petworth West Sussex

Client: Charles Pearson

Architect: Giles Quarme Architects

Value: not disclosed

Awards:

2022 Sussex Heritage Trust – Landscape & Gardens Award Winner

Pitshill Shell House is a Grade II* listed garden pavilion within the grounds of Pitshill House, originally constructed in the early 19th century and refurbished in the 20th century.

The project focused on the repair and reinstatement of the building’s distinctive dome structure.

Investigations revealed that previous 20th-century repairs to the timber dome had deteriorated significantly due to wet rot decay and beetle infestation. This necessitated the complete removal of the existing structure while ensuring the historic character and integrity of the pavilion were preserved.

The dome was carefully reconstructed using a kiln-dried oak glulam structure to provide stability and durability.

The design incorporated improved air circulation to prevent future deterioration, achieved through the introduction of a stainless-steel annulus. The new dome was formed from 6mm oak laminations fabricated off-site, creating a robust base for a lath and lime plaster finish, before reinstating the conserved shell ceiling.

The completed works successfully restore the dome while enhancing its long-term performance.

The reconstructed interior preserves the character, appearance and significance of this important heritage asset for the foreseeable future.

Photo Credit: C Luke

Project Categories

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

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