The project led by Burrell Foley Fischer to restore the Grade II* Listed Winter Gardens in Great Yarmouth is featured in the latest issue of Context, the journal of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). The article explains how “The latest technologies are being used to transform the Victorian Winter Gardens, once amongst the least sustainable constructions imaginable, into a model of climate adaption.”
“The Grade II* Listed Winter Gardens in Great Yarmouth, the last of its kind in British seaside architecture, is currently unused, in a state of disrepair and on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. As the only surviving Victorian iron-and-glass structure of its scale situated on a seaside promenade, it holds national significance. Upon completion of its restoration, this architectural masterpiece will once again serve as a vibrant ‘People’s Palace’, central to the town's cultural life, economy, and heritage.”
“The refurbishment will adhere to high conservation standards, ensuring the historic cast/wrought frame is carefully restored, with high quality materials for new timber screens and glazing. The proposed scheme includes the addition of a first-floor gallery, offering new perspectives both inside and outside the building.”
“The project aims to achieve net-zero carbon in operation, with the low-carbon interventions showcasing innovative sustainability measures for public education. The energy strategy will follow the ‘Lean, Mean, Green’ principles of energy conservation.
A key to this approach is restoring the Victorian method of natural ventilation, utilising high and low-level openings to regulate airflow. Six-metre diameter stratification ceiling fans will help to maintain a comfortable environment. These will be powered by a small solar PV array on the unglazed roof sections. Internal shading systems will mitigate extreme solar gain during the summer, while trapping heat within the building during winter.”
“Biodiversity will be enhanced through a planting scheme that integrates endemic species and Victorian-era planting with local and drought-tolerant plants as well as native species from countries around the world linked to Great Yarmouth’s former trading routes. Peat-free soil and pesticide-free commitment will support the internal biodiversity net gain while contributing to the building’s climate resilience.
The planting plan will create an exotic space that will catch the imagination of guests. Emphasis has been placed on colour, both floral and leaf, and on spectacular growth forms. The planting will include palm trees, giant bananas, orchids, greenwalls and smaller species including desert succulents.”
“The new Great Yarmouth Winter Gardens will not be a botanic garden, rather a spectacular public garden creating an inspiring environment.”
The IHBC is the professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment experts working in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with connections to the Republic of Ireland. The Institute exists to establish, develop and maintain the highest standards of conservation practice, to support the effective protection and enhancement of the historic environment, and to promote heritage-led regeneration and access to the historic environment for all.
The full article by Faye Davies, a Specialist Conservation Architect and Managing Director of Burrell Foley Fischer, and Lawrence Williamson a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Buro Happold, can be read online at: