Project Description:
Uppark House is a fine example of a 17th-century country house, crowning the South Downs ridge in West Sussex. Cherished by generations of families, Uppark has attracted a succession of colourful owners, residents and visitors including the Fetherstonhaugh family, Emma Hamilton and a young H.G. Wells.
Completed by the Hampshire branch of Greendale Construction Limited, headed up by Commercial Director, Andy Mussewhite, Greendale successfully completed works for the National Trust property, Uppark House over two contracts. To see the External Decoration and Repairs case study click here.
Essential Repairs to Uppark House
- Installation of a pair of new Bio Mass boilers fuelled by woodchip via a new auger and sweep system from wood chip stores which Greendale refurbished. The new environmental heating system was essential to create the correct temperatures and relative humidity for the historic and valuable collection in the mansion.
- Construction of a new Water Treatment Plant [WTP] building in which new tanks, pumps and dosing systems have been installed.
- WTP is located a quarter of a mile from the mansion in dense woodland on a rise without road access, hence Greendale Construction installed a temporary tracked road for construction. The bore hole that feeds this is located half a mile away from the WTP. Greendale also installed a new pump system in the bore hole.
- Installation of new fire protection and security systems in the Mansion, East Pavilion, Tunnels, and wood chip / boiler house.
- New service routes in the principal room were provided by careful removal and marking of ornate wood joinery and controlled – no vibration – no heat drilling.
- New emergency lighting and replacement of a number of distribution boards throughout the mansion and grounds.
- New Uninterrupted Power Supply facility to cover the whole house and National Trusts apartments in the mansion.
- Treatment and removal of death watch beetle in the lower servant’s hall.
- Installation of new oak floor joists and reinstalling of floor boarding.
- Stone repair and restoration was carried out in the front portico entrance area.
All works were carried out in careful collaboration with the Archivists and Conservators and resident National Trust staff.
Greendale were delighted to once again be working with Rodney Melville and Partners with whom they had previously worked with on projects for The Royal Household at Windsor Castle, and Highcliffe Castle.
Chartered Architects and Historic Building Consultants: Rodney Melville and Partners
PQS: Ian Walker Associates
M&E Consultants: Qoda
Heritage