Castle Drogo Restoration
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Aerial view showing Castle Drogo and its grounds
National Trust (website) Download Original
Restoration and repair to the roof of the residential castle formerly owned by Edwin Lutyens
The project focused on repair and sought to make additions and improvements that were sympathetic to the original building.
The key to the castle's decay was found in the roofing, commissioned by the then owner, Edwin Lutyens, in 1910. His was a 'cold' roofscape of granite paving slabs which sought unity with the walls, and an overall impression of geological permanence.
The roof design, however, did not allow for insulation, ventilation or thermal movement. Consequently, substantial mould growth and water permeation was discovered in the construction, as well as a lime precipitate on the exterior stonework.
Inskip and Jenkins implemented modern roof technology: a warm deck roof and a waterproofing membrane, to ensure the longevity of their construction. The castle's U shape construction caused this to be a lengthy process.
Data
- Begun: Jul 2006
- Completed: May 2007
- Floor area: 1,303m2
- Sector: House
- Total cost: £426,847
- Tender date: Apr 2006
- Procurement: JCT IBC 2005
- Address: Drogo Castle, Drewsteignton, Exeter, EX6 6PB, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Inskip and Jenkins
- Project architects: Peter Inskip, Stephen Gee
- Client: The National Trust, Devon and Cornwall
- Planning supervisor: LHC Safety Management
- Structural engineer: Ralph Mills Associates
- Quantity surveyor: FHP Engineering Services
Suppliers
- Roofing: Bauder
- Moisture monitoring: Ridout Associates
- Main contractor: St Blaise
- Surveying and restoration : George Bollard Geotechnics