Renewing a Scheduled Ancient Monument

Kensington Palace Orangery is a Grade I-listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. Its rich history dates back to 1704-05, when it was built by Nicholas Hawksmoor with revisions by John Vanbrugh – both leading figures of English Baroque architecture. Initially commissioned by Queen Anne as an elaborate greenhouse for her orange trees, the building became a summer house and a venue for royal entertainment.

In collaboration with Donald Insall Associates, Historic Royal Palaces has undertaken a major project to restore this iconic London building to its former glory.

The building stands today as a restaurant and events space with a capacity of 300, where guests can enjoy the architectural charm of this building as the royals once did.

A restored royal gem

Sensitive conservation, repair and cleaning has been carried out to its striking exterior – an exemplary show of Baroque architecture with 24 intricately carved Corinthian columns supporting an ornate roof. Low pressure steam cleaning and repairs were undertaken to the facades, including the complex gauged brickwork, with care not to remove evidence of historic coatings to the Portland stone keystones. In some areas, extensive brick refacing was required. Structural repairs were completed, lighting protection has been renewed, rainwater goods refurbished, and the windows and doors refurbished, along with the external terrace.

Internally, modern paint has been removed, and the panelled interior repainted and refinished. Lavish panelling adorned with detailed carvings by Grinling Gibbons has been conserved by specialists from Historic Royal Palaces. New fire doors were skilfully inserted into the north façade, concealed within the panelling, connecting the restaurant to its new service spaces.

New services, including upgrades to heating, cooling, lighting and electrical, have been designed by Skelly + Couch and discreetly housed beneath the Hoptonwood stone floor, all while protecting the archaeology of the hypocaust beneath.