Contractor Robertson has started erecting a steel mesh frame around Hill House in Helensburgh, in a bid to save the historic building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
The steel “box” surrounds what is regarded as Mackintosh’s domestic masterpiece and is part of an effort to protect the building from the elements ahead of an extensive refurbishment.
A 100t crane began lifting the steel into place this week.
Ed Parry, managing director of Robertson Central West, said: “Since starting on site in November last year we have been laying the groundwork for this important milestone. It was an exciting moment for everyone involved in the project to see the crane arrive and for the first part of the steel structure to be put in place.
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“This is a hugely important project and one that is genuinely unique – we look forward to keeping the public up to date with continued progress and to delivering on the National Trust for Scotland’s vision for the Hill House.”
Allan Cameron, project manager for Robertson with Richard Williams, National Trust for Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland launched a ‘Box The Hill House’ campaign in February 2018, which aimed to raise £1.5m towards the total cost of the ‘Box’. To date, more than £1.2m has been raised, with fundraising continuing.
Richard Williams, general manager for Glasgow and West at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Seeing the box take shape is an extraordinary feeling and a significant milestone in our charity’s rescue effort to save The Hill House.
“After years of planning we can really start to see the scale of what we’re doing here, for the love of the building and where it stands in the history of Scottish architecture.”
The Hill House project, being delivered by Robertson, was procured through collaborative procurement group Scape Venture.
Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “Scape Venture is specifically designed to promote efficient outcomes for charities, and by using our framework the National Trust Scotland is ensuring it receives the best value for money. Our collaborative and transparent approach facilitates success for every project and is supported by an extensive local supply chain which will support the local economic development agenda beyond the build process.”
