Blenheim's Orangery undergoing £2m conservation project in palace's bid to reach carbon neutrality by 2027

Oxfordshire's Blenheim palace, a Grade 1 listed World Heritage site, is undergoing a £2m conservation project as part of its pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2027.

The work will see the replacement of the glass ceiling at the palace's 18th century orangery, where Oxford-based property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood has been appointed to provide mechanical, electrical, and sustainability services.

The ceiling is being replaced with a timber and slate structure in the spirit of Sir John Vanbrugh’s original design, expected to be completed this autumn.

Thomas McCosker, senior sustainability specialist at Ingleton Wood’s Oxford office, said: "Using our expertise across the heritage sector and multi-disciplinary sustainability services, we have already conducted a thermal modelling exercise to establish the energy and carbon saving opportunities before upgrading the electrics to ensure they will be suitable for the new environment.

"The new fully insulated roof is designed to reduce heat loss in the winter and prevent excessive sunlight from entering in the summer, helping to keep the restaurant at optimal temperatures all-year round while minimising any use of heating or cooling.

"We look forward to continue working closely with Blenheim Palace on this sustainable restoration that guests will enjoy for many years to come."

The original glass roof was installed after a fire broke out in an adjacent bakery and damaged the roof structure in 1861.

Kelly Whitton, head of built heritage at Blenheim palace, added: "We are restoring the Orangery to what we understand to be its original form, based on research and pre-fire evidence remaining on site.

"The 19th century glass roof has come to the end of its life, and it is time to make a serious change. Due to the pressures of climate change and noticeable temperature swings, we are proposing to return the roof back to slate.

"Slate combined with modern insulation will be a far more effective insulator than glass, saving energy and helping Blenheim reach its green goals."

She added: "Every visitor has helped to make this conservation a reality and we want to thank them and let them know they are a part of Blenheim Palace’s history. Their admission goes directly towards preserving the legacy of the World Heritage Site,” said Kelly.

Ingleton Wood is one of the largest property and construction consultancies covering South East, Central England, Northern England, the Midlands, East Anglia and London, with offices in Oxford, Nottingham, London, Cambridge, Colchester, Billericay and Norwich.