Natural History Museum

The Heritage Surveying team carried out a two-phase inspection of the Natural History Museum’s six-hectare South Kensington estate, assessing roofs, elevations, rainwater goods, windows, doors, and joinery. This included a preliminary inspection and reporting phase to identify and outline some of the key fabric condition defects. This was followed by a more detailed inspection phase with drone surveys of inaccessible areas and an extensive desktop review of drone imagery.

Almost 10,000 photographs and 2,000 lines of recorded fabric condition data were captured as a result of the project. Management of data and the presentation back to the client were important factors in the success of the project.

The scale and complexity of the Museum’s South Kensington site posed a significant challenge, particularly the size of the site, the range and style of buildings, as well as access to high-level fabric elements.

The use of traditional surveying methods and drone technology was invaluable in overcoming these constraints, enabling us to conduct safe, comprehensive condition assessments while minimising disruption to Museum operations. The team made use of GoReport software whilst recording on site which provided accurate recording and presentation of data.

During two phases of inspection, the team spent 11 days completing physical inspections. Findings were presented in two written reports along with an extensive database of fabric elements and their condition, and these provided a clear picture of the Museum’s external fabric condition, highlighting defects and prioritising repairs.

The size and range of buildings on site, dating from the mid Victorian era, presented the team with a range of fabric materials to inspect.

The principal Waterhouse building is detailed with a significant Terracotta façade. The Darwin Centre buildings have ETFE air filled pillow roof sections which offer a lightweight alternative to glazing and the newest buildings on site combine traditional materials with modern design and include timber shingle roofs and natural stone elevations.

Pick Everard went to great lengths to ensure that the results of the inspection met the museum’s specific requirements for data presentation.

The two-phase approach involved extensive exploration, inspection, and recording of the museum's external fabric. The detailed process allowed the team to deliver a final report that was comprehensive and carefully structured in line with the client’s preferences.

The presentation of the findings was tailored to support strategic decision-making, outlining a long-term (0-15 years) plan for Capital works and a basis for future quinquennial surveys.

The Pick Everard team will be contributing to the Museum’s master planning process to incorporate recommendations into future planned works.