‘A beacon of what sustainable heritage can achieve’
Two key London landmarks are set to undergo a multi-million pound renovation which aims to ‘create the first heritage net-zero glasshouses of their kind.’
It’s expected that work at Kew Gardens’ Palm House and Waterlily House will start in 2027 and will last four to five years.
Experts say both buildings are showing serious signs of deterioration and point to the last renovation work taking place in the 1980s.
They add that urgent work is required on the listed buildings or there is a risk of losing the protection the structures provide to the tropical plants. A planning application was submitted last week for the renovation work.
Sustainability is at the core of the proposed conservation work as the team is aiming to use renewable energy to power the Palm House.
In doing so, they aim to create a carbon neutral Victorian glasshouse that will protect the 1300 plants housed within its structure.
‘This is a pivotal moment in the history of Kew. With sustainability at the core of our mission, this project exemplifies our commitment to safeguarding both the environment and cultural heritage,’ explains Richard Deverell, Director of RBG Kew.
‘The transformation of the Palm House and Waterlily House into net-zero icons will not only protect irreplaceable plants but serve as a beacon of what sustainable heritage can achieve.’
‘Reminding us of the fragility of the rainforests and our role in their protection’
The redevelopment is years in the planning and is being led by the Kew Capital Projects Team. They’ve been working with Hugh Broughton Architects and Cundall engineers.
The goal of the project is to strike the difficult balance between energy efficiency and the specific needs of the tropical plants which are housed at the site.
The ‘to do’ list is substantial as it includes the replacement of 16,500 glass panes with high-performance sealed glazing, the usage of bespoke silicone gaskets to reduce heat loss and a move to a fully electrified air and water source heat pump system.
Teams will also work to maximise rainwater storage and upgrade the irrigation system. The work also aims to improve the access at the site to make the space ‘fully inclusive.’
‘The Palm House and Waterlily House at Kew Gardens are instantly recognisable icons of Victorian innovation,’ explains Hugh Broughton of Hugh Broughton Architects.
‘This exciting project will help to conserve and decarbonise these inspiring glasshouses and make them more accessible to a wider audience.’
‘The design elegantly reflects Kew’s ambitious Climate Positive 2030 strategy, reminding us of the fragility of the rainforests and our role in their protection.’
Techniques borrowed from the shipbuilding industry ensured the building of The Palm House represented ‘cutting edge’ technology when it was constructed between 1844 and 1848.
An aerial view showing a future Kew Gardens. Image: Arc Media (provided by RBG, Kew).
‘It’s a complex challenge’
The Waterlily House is the Palm House’s companion building and was opened in 1852. It was purpose-built to showcase the world’s largest waterlily (Victoria amazonica).
‘At the heart of this project is the need to protect the extraordinary plant collections housed in the Palm House and Waterlily House,’ explains Tom Pickering, Head of Glasshouse Collections at RBG Kew.
‘Besides being beautiful, many have cultural, scientific and conservation value, and replacing these collections is unimaginable.’
‘Achieving net zero in these historic buildings is an unprecedented task, it’s a complex challenge which must consider the interplay of horticulture, climatic control, engineering, and architecture.’
The relocation and propagation of plant specimens by Kew’s expert horticulturists is underway. Visitors to the Palm House can already see specialist work re-potting, air-layering and relocating plants to ensure the survival of more than 1000 plant species.
Two cutting-edge glasshouses, one permanent and one temporary, have been built for the cultivation of tropical plants. Each structure is using specialist technology to sustainably control the temperature and humidity.
Breaktime News has previously reported on a number of events hosted by Kew Gardens, including ‘Light into Life.’
