The project comprised the construction of a substantial building in the courtyard of this Grade 1 listed Jacobean manor house Hotel, providing an additional 50 or so covers for the Hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant.

The site phase of the project was completed in only 4 months over the hard winter of 2017 / 2018; careful pre-planning was required to allow the contractor to achieve this.

The building is entirely freestanding and fully glazed, allowing uninterrupted views out into the Grade 2* listed gardens.

A basement was hewn into the sandstone below the building, accommodating the ventilation, heating and cooling plant.

Given the large glazed area careful thermal modelling was required; this informed the size and form of the large opening rooflight, the specification of the glazing and the design of the mechanical plant. A mixed mode ventilation system was proposed, and during the past hot summer has worked well.

The lighting installation was developed to provide flexibility in table arrangements, using downlights which can be aimed by remote control. Very delicate paintings on gauze, mirroring the garden, screen views of the main house; lighting these required considerable care.

The kitchen was completely refitted, including new air supply and extract systems and comfort cooling. Induction hobs replaced gas; this required the installation of a new electricity sub-station and standby generator, the latter giving the entire hotel complete autonomy.