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Knebworth House

Underpinning a historic manor house

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Client
Knebworth House Education and Preservation Trust
Engineer
The Morton Partnership
Contractors
Bramwell Hall Projects Ltd
Location
Hertfordshire
Duration
3 weeks
Rigs
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A historic manor house that has starred in Batman and The Crown, Knebworth House has undergone generations of remodelling and restyling by the Lytton family who have called it home since the late 15th century. North west turret movement had been noted for almost three decades, with more recent inspections showing increased cracking. Investigations revealed the turret foundation was considerably shallower than the main building and cellar foundations.

We were brought in to permanently stabilise the turret by increasing the depth of its foundations to the same as the main house via hand excavated underpinning techniques.

Temporary Works: In-House Design

The temporary works needed to be designed with care to ensure that we preserved the integrity of the historic structure while minimising the excavated zones and impact on the surrounding area. Works were taken out during full COVID-19 restrictions so all designs needed to adhere to the 2 metre rule at all times. Temporary excavation shoring designed in house was installed as the excavation continued, with gas monitoring and escape breathing apparatus introduced at 1.5 metres.

Protection: Careful Inspection

A series of protective measures was used to retain the beauty of the building. Elegant stone cornicing above the turrets was closely inspected and any loose stonework photographed, recorded and carefully removed for later reinstatement. Local gargoyle was wrapped in protective layers for the duration of the works and the projection of the existing foundation 3 metres from ground level was carefully cleaned and retained. Finally, special measures ensured no splashing to the historic stone during concrete placement for the new foundations.

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