This involved the retention of an existing Victorian Gothic House, which was designed in 1865 by Sir Thomas Deane of Deane & Woodward, and the construction of new Exhibition halls.

 

The existing house and courtyards are situated on a plateau above a series of stepped grass terraces, leading down to a man-made lake.

 

Restoration works included the removal of all timber flooring to remove dry rot and make sound and replacement.  All timber lentils were replaced and windows reweighted.  The wiring and plumbing systems were upgraded.  Flooring and fireplaces were removed, stored and reinstalled.  Cornices were replicated throughout the house.  All existing doors were fireproofed.  Graining works were carried out to walls to replicate original features.  The walls in the hallway were scraped back and painted to give the impression that they are marble finish.  The Library was upgraded and repainted and all intricate moulding installed.

 

The Exhibition Building has four floors, each relating to a terrace from its entrance at House level to the lowest level at the lake.  The main Exhibition gallery cantilevers out of the terraces, a storey above lake level.  This space contains an island like mezzanine which is overlooked from the entrance level.