More History and Heritage.....

1945-Today: Modern Kew

Decimus Burton

Back to: Temperate House

On to: Evolution House

The Temperate House

Restorations

In 1977, a little over a hundred years after the building was finally completed, a full restoration was started. The Temperate House is a Grade 1 listed building, so scrupulous care needed to be taken to keep the integrity of the original design.

Just as Burton had used the best materials available to him, so the renovation used the best available aluminium and neoprene glazing system, but kept faithful to his design and the rhythm of the original sashes.

Modern heating technology keeps the building frost free, at about 6-7°C over the winter. It uses heat exchangers situated in the basements of the octagons, with intense heat piped from the main boilerhouse a quarter of a mile away.

Back to: Temperate House

On to: Evolution House