Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Richmond, London

Client:

ISG PLC

About the Project:

Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the most diverse botanical collection in the world. Its historic glasshouses are not only architectural treasures but also vital to international conservation efforts. One of the most iconic, the Temperate House, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, underwent a £41 million restoration over five years, culminating in a grand reopening by Sir David Attenborough in May 2018. Describing it as “a breathtakingly beautiful space,” his presence underscored the national importance of this extraordinary project.

ISG PLC required a specialist contractor with deep restoration expertise and the professionalism to operate within one of the UK’s most historically and scientifically significant locations. The work demanded an exceptionally high level of care and technical precision, involving complex cathodic protection on sensitive structures and real-time advisory input as new challenges emerged.

System Building Services Limited was selected for our proven capability in heritage restoration. We carried out specialist blast priming and cathodic protection to safeguard key structural components. Our team also provided agile day works to address newly identified gaps in the existing structure, ensuring no compromise to the integrity or timeline of the project.

Through a combination of expert craftsmanship, adaptability and clear communication with ISG, SBS played a key role in the successful restoration of this historic glasshouse. Our contribution helped ensure the building was not only structurally sound but ready in time for its high-profile reopening, celebrated by one of Britain’s most beloved national figures.