The 900-year-old Aukland Castle closed in 2016 so that experts could renovate the historic site back to its original 18th Century grandeur. Selectaglaze fitted parts of the Castle with a series of secondary glazing solutions
The imposing Grade I Listed Auckland Castle, which is also known as Auckland Palace overlooks the River Wear, enveloped by formal gardens and 150 acres of idyllic parkland.
It is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project.
The castle has become the focal point of The Auckland Project, which is using art, faith, history and heritage to transform Bishop Auckland into a leading tourist destination.
The conservation scheme sought to stabilise the historic fabric of the building while recreating the interiors of the staterooms and private apartments designed by Bishop Barrington and distinguished architect James Wyatt.
Working collectively
The Auckland Project has spent a massive £50m in its regenerative work, which also includes a grant of £12.4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Working collectively with Meldrum Construction and architects Purcell; Selectaglaze fitted parts of the Castle with a series of bespoke secondary glazing solutions to compliment the refurbishment.
As the castle is Listed, any restorative procedures had to stay sensitive to the building’s style and historical significance.
Because secondary glazing is a subtle and reversible adaptation, it is ideal for Listed properties and can provide an unseen level of security and protection to any property, as well as boosting thermal performance and noise insulation.
The decorative, geometric windows leading into one of the new galleries were treated by Selectaglaze.
The grid-like designs, marked with an interlacing pattern, illustrate the coat of arms of John Cosin who transformed the medieval great hall in the castle into the private chapel of the Bishops of Durham.
A group of Gothic-styled rooms not accessible to the public prior to the works have now been repurposed as a gallery space. Selectaglaze installed slimline secondary units in there that were curved at the top to fit flawlessly against the primary windows in the exhibition space; very discreet for a heritage location like Auckland Castle.
Meldrum’s contract also encompassed the construction of an environmentally controlled extension for a new Faith Museum adjoining Auckland Castle.
