A 190-year-old leak at Kingston Lacy house has finally been traced to a design flaw in the cupola created by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament. The windows were glazed 'inside out', allowing water to seep in and cause damage. The National Trust is undertaking repairs to fix the issue permanently.
For nearly two centuries, Kingston Lacy house, a magnificent country mansion, has been troubled by a persistent and perplexing leak. Despite countless investigations and reports from numerous experts, the source of the moisture intrusion remained elusive, causing ongoing damage and requiring consistent maintenance.
Now, after years of dedicated research, the National Trust team responsible for the preservation of this Grade I-listed property has finally uncovered the root cause: a fundamental design flaw introduced by the celebrated architect, Sir Charles Barry. Barry, renowned for his iconic work on the Houses of Parliament, was tasked with designing a new cupola for the 17th-century Kingston Lacy in 1835.
However, his design incorporated a seemingly aesthetic choice that ultimately proved detrimental to the building's structural integrity. He specified that the windows of the dome-shaped cupola be glazed 'inside out'. The reasoning behind this unusual decision, according to the National Trust, likely stemmed from a desire to enhance the visual appeal of the cupola for visitors to the Dorset estate.
By positioning the protective putty on the interior side of the glass rather than the exterior, Barry inadvertently created a pathway for moisture to penetrate the window frames. This seemingly minor alteration had significant long-term consequences. The reversed glazing allowed water to easily seep into the timber window frames, leading to rot, deterioration of the paintwork, and a continuous need for repairs.
Historical records demonstrate that the Bankes family, previous owners of Kingston Lacy, undertook repair work on the cupola during their stewardship. Since the National Trust assumed responsibility for the property in 1981, they have also implemented several repair campaigns, all aimed at addressing the recurring leaks.
However, these efforts were largely palliative, treating the symptoms rather than resolving the underlying issue. The team’s painstaking investigations, combining detailed surveys, long-term monitoring, and thorough historical research, were crucial in pinpointing the exact source of the problem. The discovery marks a turning point in the preservation of Kingston Lacy, allowing for a comprehensive and lasting solution.
The current repair project will be executed in phases over the next year, focusing not only on rectifying Barry’s glazing error but also on addressing additional contributing factors to the leaks. Alongside the window restoration, the team will meticulously inspect and repair defects in the leadwork surrounding the base of the cupola. This leadwork, also compromised over time, has been allowing water to infiltrate the structure.
A National Trust spokesperson emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating that the detailed analysis and research now provide a clear understanding of the leak’s origins, enabling a definitive fix. The aim of the current works is to break the cycle of continuous decay and prevent future damage, rather than simply addressing the visible symptoms. This proactive approach will safeguard the long-term integrity of Kingston Lacy and ensure its preservation for generations to come.
The project represents a significant investment in the future of this historic landmark, demonstrating the National Trust’s commitment to protecting Britain’s architectural heritage. The careful and considered approach to the repairs will ensure that the cupola is restored to its former glory, while also preventing a recurrence of the long-standing leak. The team is confident that this comprehensive restoration will finally resolve the issue that has plagued Kingston Lacy for almost two centuries
Kingston Lacy National Trust Sir Charles Barry Architectural Flaw Historic Building
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