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NHM - Tring
Upgrades
Building on previous major projects at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, including roof and gallery refurbishment works and conservation cleaning to the Waterhouse façade, DBR (London) Limited was appointed to deliver a further multi-million-pound programme of works at the museum’s Tring site. Acting as both Principal Contractor and conservation contractor, DBR undertook restoration works to the historic Rothschild Building, Natural History Museum at Tring, a Grade I listed structure forming the heart of the museum complex.
Client
The Trustees of the Natural History Museum
Dates
11 Jun 2023
—
24 Dec 2024
Location
London
Grade listing
Grade I
Fabric
Lead
Slate
Glass
Terracotta
Plaster
Timber
Brick
Enhancing Access and Visitor Facilities
Part of the project focused on improving the visitor and volunteer experience within the building. Works included upgrades to the Akeman Street entrance, designed to improve access and the arrival experience for visitors. Restoration works were also carried out within the volunteer facilities, transforming the space into a more comfortable and welcoming environment while respecting the historic character of the building.
Restoring the Historic Fabric
The external façade of the Rothschild Building underwent a programme of restoration aimed at reinstating its original appearance. At the same time, restoration works were undertaken to the Cottage, returning the space to full decorative and operational use. Internally, works were carried out within the library and gallery spaces to ensure the continued protection of the museum’s collections while maintaining the historic integrity of the interiors.
Adapting the Building for the Future
To address modern environmental pressures, the building’s rainwater goods were upgraded throughout. These improvements were designed to accommodate heavier and more frequent rainfall events associated with changing climate conditions, ensuring the building’s drainage systems remain effective while preserving the historic structure.
Structural works were carried out to the battlement porches to reduce the risk of future movement. Following a structural engineer’s assessment, repairs included Helifix reinforcement, hydraulic‑lime repointing, replacing cementitious mortars, removing termination bars, and filling crenellation cracks with a lime‑and‑stone‑dust mix. These interventions strengthened the porches while remaining sensitive to the building’s historic fabric.
