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Kew Gardens - Minka House
Conservation works
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At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Minka House stands as a rare surviving example of traditional Japanese domestic architecture in the United Kingdom. Originally constructed in Japan using vernacular timber framing, bamboo construction and layered thatch systems, the building was re-erected at Kew as part of a wider conservation effort to preserve culturally significant structures within a living botanical and heritage landscape.
DBR Conservation are currently delivering an ongoing programme of specialist works alongside Kit Davis, carefully revealing, assessing and repairing the building’s timber structure, joinery and roof coverings while retaining the original construction logic and material character.
Client
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Dates
December 2025
—
August 2026
Location
London
Grade listing
Grade II
Architects
Clews Architects
When the roof comes off, the building starts to speak
A key stage of the works began with the controlled removal of the existing thatched roof by the Master Thatcher team. This was carried out in carefully sequenced phases to ensure the structure remained stable and protected throughout the opening-up process.
With the roof removed, DBR conservation specialists undertook a detailed survey of the exposed timber frame, recording the condition of the principal rafters, ridge beam and secondary members. This allowed areas of decay, movement and historic repair to be fully understood, with the findings directly informing the developing repair strategy as the works continue site.
Hinoki, hand tools, and the quiet work beneath the surface
Timber conservation works are progressing through a controlled repair programme, including the introduction of Japanese Hinoki Cypress where required. The material has been selected for its compatibility with traditional Minka construction and its suitability for detailed carpentry and structural repair.
Specialist joinery and carving works are being delivered by Sands & Randall, producing bespoke components to match the original Japanese detailing of the structure. Repairs to rafters, joints and beam ends are being carried out strictly in accordance with structural engineer’s guidance, with scarf repairs and splice work only introduced where explicitly agreed.
All timber work is carefully controlled for grading, treatment and moisture content prior to installation. Western Red Cedar is also used where appropriate for secondary elements, selected for durability and compatibility with the existing fabric. All cutting and preparation is undertaken to ensure structural performance is not compromised.
A roof rebuilt through traditional systems and material logic
The reinstatement of the roof is being carried out using long course water reed, applied to a substantial thickness to re-establish the building’s protective envelope. The reed is laid in tightly compressed courses to ensure immediate weather resistance while maintaining the traditional appearance of the original roof form.
Existing bamboo battens are retained wherever possible, maintaining continuity with the original Japanese construction system. Fixings are formed using rope lashings and traditional tying methods rather than rigid mechanical systems, allowing the roof to retain flexibility and breathability.
At the ridge, a layered sedge construction system is being reinstated using a sequence of compacted sedge bundles built up to form a structured ridge profile. Bamboo and rope fixings are used throughout to secure the system and conceal weathering joints, maintaining both performance and traditional appearance.
Edges, shingles and the weathering of detail
In addition to the main thatched roof, conservation works are being undertaken to the entrance and veranda areas, where Western Red Cedar shingle roofs are being carefully repaired and selectively replaced.
New shingles are matched to existing size, gauge and weathering pattern, ensuring continuity across the roof surface. Each shingle is fixed using stainless steel nails appropriate for exposed conditions, with lap and alignment maintained to preserve the original water-shedding behaviour of the roof.
Existing battens are retained wherever structurally viable, reinforcing the principle of minimal intervention and material continuity across the building.
Working with restraint, guided by the building itself
All works are being delivered under a tightly controlled conservation methodology in close coordination with DBR, conservation architects and structural engineers. The approach is guided by retention wherever possible, and intervention only where necessary to ensure structural stability and long-term performance.
Timber is only replaced where deterioration exceeds acceptable limits. Notching, drilling and jointing are strictly controlled to avoid weakening historic fabric, and all repairs are designed to remain legible within the original construction.
Environmental exposure, movement and long-term durability continue to inform every stage of decision-making as the works progress.
A building still being understood
The Minka House remains an active conservation project rather than a completed restoration. It is being gradually opened, understood and repaired through a process that prioritises evidence from the building itself over assumption.
Through the combined expertise of DBR, Kit Davis and specialist craftsmen including Sands & Randall, the structure at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is being carefully stabilised and renewed, ensuring its timber, thatch and joinery continue to perform as originally intended while remaining secure for the future.
