Blenheim Palace Chapel
Enhancing the Climate Resilience of a Visionary Architectural Project
Climate adaptations to Blenheim Chapel
Climate change and damage to the 1705 Chapel interior led to unstable internal temperatures, water ingress, condensation and mould. This damage was putting the Chapel at risk and creating a hostile thermal environment for the organ and monuments, making conservation a priority for the Trustees.
In 2019, Nick Cox Architects were asked to consider sensitive changes which would improve climatic conditions and conservation of this important space. The project included repairs, redecoration, new lighting, AV, mechanical heating and cooling, new automatic doors and new glazed screen at balcony level to manage the number of air changes.
Meeting modern requirements in a historic building
Whilst it had become imperative to secure the climate sustainability of the Chapel, we needed to think laterally in order to avoid obscuring the purity of Vanbrugh’s architecture. Modern technology requires substantial supporting plant space: this was successfully concealed within a sunken room on the outside terrace. Careful design included raising pews to introduce new ventilation and creating service routes behind skirting boards. Despite the installation of sophisticated equipment, expert craftsmanship has allowed the interior to appear almost untouched.
Revealing the vision of Vanbrugh
Within the theatrical experience of visiting Blenheim Palace, Vanbrugh envisaged the Chapel as an outstanding set piece. But later users swiftly eroded his original design. Paint analysis and research has revealed there were five different decorative schemes over the centuries. Our project has painstakingly reconstructed the historic interior of the Chapel, revealing the beauty of Vanbrugh’s creative vision.
During re-decoration, we principally aimed to reinstate finely moulded architectural details. We used different shades of carefully chosen colours to restore the serenity of the Chapel. A return to traditional materials often promotes climate resilience: casein milk-based paint was employed throughout, not only historically accurate but also more breathable than many modern alternatives. Scagliola (a historical decorative technique) was employed to create the appearance of new marble panels, enhancing the symmetry of the interior.
A phased approach to Net Zero Carbon at a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The project assessed the building holistically as a phase of the longer-term decarbonisation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Technical improvements have been combined with structural strengthening and roof insulation to improve the overall sustainability of the Chapel.
