THE NEWT IN SOMERSET
Projects - The Glasshouse, A Fantastical Grotto & Various Landscaping
Client:
Builder:
Engineer:
Completion:
The Emily Estate
2020 - 2022
Stonewood Builders, Clivedon Conservation
Beveridge CSE, GGPL, Mesh Engineering
Project Description:
As an independent local practice we've been fortunate over the years to have worked at the prestigious Newt in Somerset, an exceptional Grade II* Listed hotel with restaurants and gardens. The beautiful Palladian-fronted Hadspen House, first built in 1687 is surrounded by entirely redesigned gardens centred around an egg-shaped Parabola walled garden.
Working with the owners and alongside many other building professionals, engineers, architects and surveyors, ArchiWest have played a part in transforming this distinguished estate. This has included alteration works and sensitive repair to a Grade II listed estate building; a steel framed Victorian Glasshouse structure within a landscaped courtyard garden; and works to a unique underground grotto building.
THE GLASSHOUSE - With this steel framed Glasshouse every fine detail was considered, from the finials to the meticulous geometric marble and terracotta floor with recessed uplighting. The powder coated steel frame was manufactured and dry assembled off-site, later to be installed with a neat scribed edge detail to the existing stone walls of this Grade II listed building.
The green tile stove by Royal Tichelaar Makkum creates an especially unique centrepiece in the space, with a nostalgic Victorian look.
THE GROTTO - This concrete domed structure was a fascinating project for ArchiWest to be a part of and included detailed design consultation, delivery of a subterranean plant room structure, landscaping and significant Mechanical & Electrical coordination works.
The resulting building and experience wandering around the grotto is a striking testament to the skilled local builders and artisans that crafted it.
Smaller works at the estate have included the remodeling of the owners courtyard garden that wraps around the new Glasshouse, including a delightful lilly pond (loved by the local newt population) with lead cherub water feature and surrounded by lias flagstones that compliment the local Hadspen stone retaining walls.
A significant amount of engineering works go into relatively small landscaping projects like these that can often be difficult to appreciate from the finished article.
Through careful detailing, 3d modelling and project management, ArchiWest have helped to deliver successful projects at the Newt and have enjoyed working in close collaboration with the estate team.
