Jupiter Construction successfully undertook the refurbishment of an existing café at Burton Agnes Hall. This project introduced a new open-show kitchen, a servery, a commercial kitchen, a pantry and food preparation area, a new staircase, and office and welfare facilities for estate staff.
The client, Burton Agnes Estate, is a family-owned organisation operating out of Burton Agnes Hall. The estate encompasses various farms, domestic dwellings, and other businesses. The project was carried out in collaboration with Bradley Moore of Wignall & Moore Studio, who served as the project architect and contract administrator.
The project involved:
Full internal strip-out, removal of floors at both ground and first-floor levels, and major masonry removal to create open spaces. This included introducing a mezzanine level, forming new external wall openings, replacing the first-floor structure, and strengthening existing floors.
The interior was fully refurbished, with particular attention to heritage-sensitive elements, including bespoke joinery and new external doors. A key feature of the restoration was the creation of bespoke roof lanterns, meticulously designed to replicate the originals while incorporating modern enhancements. These new lanterns include windows to allow natural light to flood the space, and the leadwork was crafted to an exceptional standard, ensuring both durability and historical authenticity in line with the building’s Grade II listed status and heritage requirements.
The roof was recovered with added insulation, including an insulated TLX gold roof membrane, Rockwool between rafters, and PIR board underneath. External walls were lined with a wood fibre membrane, vapour control layer (VCL), and an organic thermal performance improvement system.
Due to the building’s age (built in 1859) and listed status, the project required close coordination with a heritage officer to ensure compliance with regulations.
Approximately 30 roosting bats were discovered on-site. Their presence was carefully managed throughout the project by dealing with an ecologist, particularly during the demolition phase, to ensure their protection during the roosting season.
All works had to adhere to strict heritage regulations, requiring specific materials and skilled trades. This included the use of traditional construction methods and securing heritage approvals for all changes. Specialist clay products were carefully selected to ensure authenticity and compliance, preserving the building’s historical integrity while meeting modern performance standards.
Hidden elements such as an imprinted cobble concrete floor, voids under York stone flooring, and other aged structural aspects required additional work. This led to several variations, which were managed collaboratively with the client.
Aesthetic changes requested by the client, such as retaining exposed brick walls to highlight the building's heritage, were incorporated effectively without significant delays.
The presence of roosting bats required meticulous planning to prevent habitat disruption during the demolition and fit-out phases, including the creation of a new roost in an unused loft.
Jupiter Construction delivered a successful outcome despite the complexities of the project. Key achievements include:
The project was completed within the agreed timeframe, accounting for additional variations.
The client was pleased with the high standard of finish and the heritage-sensitive approach taken throughout the project.
The café and show kitchen were ready for the client’s fit-out, providing a welcoming space for the general public. The estate staff benefitted from new, modern office facilities with improved infrastructure, including data cabling, heating, and thermal efficiency.
This project underscores Jupiter Construction’s expertise in delivering high-quality, heritage-sensitive refurbishments, combining technical excellence with a client-focused approach.
