Planning and Listed Building Applications have now been submitted to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, presenting the ambitious decarbonisation plans for the Kew Gardens estate.

The 175-year-old grade I listed glasshouse is taking on a new lease of life, and a more sustainable one at that. The building has 30,000 plants, which includes a collection of rare and endangered species. Attracting visitors from across the world, this decarbonisation and refurbishment can be enjoyed by several future generations. 

This regeneration includes decarbonising the heating systems by removing the gas boilers and replacing them with heat pumps.

Our team are working closely with the architects to reinstate the original design intent, for example by reinstating natural ventilation systems. In an interview with Danny Buckland for The Times, Andrew Jackson, Partner said: “It is an ambitious, but truly exciting project,” 

Decarbonising a commercial, heated glasshouse has never been done before so we are in uncharted territory. Cundall has completed many decarbonisation projects, but this is unique as there is very little existing data on glasshouses for us to work from.”

Part of the scope is to install a new temperature monitoring and controls system so that the heating system can better respond to localised needs within the palm house. Upgrading the facade performance to reduce the heat loss of the building is also a key intervention. The use of modern window sealants will significantly improve the air tightness and vastly reduce the heating load, saving energy and allowing the heat pumps to operate more efficiently.

Robin Pritchett, Associate Director, commented: “The decarbonisation of the glasshouse will be used as a benchmark for future projects and is a true statement of honouring the legacy of the building, whilst providing a greener future." 

The aim of the scheme is to preserve the grade I listed glasshouse and the tropical collections. 

Cundall is providing multidisciplinary services for the Palm House and Waterlily House. These interventions will improve and preserve this unique building for generation to come and will stand a testament to the possibility of decarbonising a listed building.