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January 2019
Hill House steel mesh frame takes shape

Hill House steel mesh frame takes shape

January 23 2019

The National Trust for Scotland has begun the transformation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House in Helensburgh, with the fabrication of a custom steel mesh ‘box’ around the landmark.

Built by Robertson the structure has been designed to protect the building from the elements while essential repairs are carried out to its fabric to prevent water ingress.

Robertson Central West MD Ed Parry, said: “Since starting on site in November last year we have been laying the groundwork for this important milestone. It was an exciting moment for everyone involved in the project to see the crane arrive and for the first part of the steel structure to be put in place.

“This is a hugely important project and one that is genuinely unique – we look forward to keeping the public up to date with continued progress and to delivering on the National Trust for Scotland’s vision for The Hill House.”

Thus far the National Trust has raised £1.2m in a public appeal to raise the £1.5m needed to save The Hill House for the nation.

3 Comments

#1 Posted by Sceptical. on 23 Jan 2019 at 12:36 PM

Contractors currently making a huge mess on site - much of the upper gardens have been obliterated. The driveway arc is ruined and it looks like the orchard has been cut down. All can be repaired but theres a feeling that some of this could easily have been avoided if more care was afforded to the environs of the garden.

The positive PR spin on all this is nonsense also - can NTS or anyone tell us what the actual repair strategy will be for the harling? A workable solution (lime) was mooted many moons ago, but NTS dont have the guts to run with it. This £1.5m for a frankly riddiculous box would go a long way to actually repairing the harling. NTS haven't put a defintive time limit on this box either - they're "buying time" or "deferring decision" - typical committee decision. Wait and see the request to planning to extend permission perpetually whilst NTS continue to bury heads in the sand.

And as for the architects ramp over the roof idea. A drone would be almost as good. Would far rather see the Hill House as intended - IE without a big waste of money box draped over it.