Monkey Island Estate | Berkshire

Clegg was appointed to provide structural engineering services for redeveloping the historic Monkey Island Estate in Bray, Berkshire.

The Grade I listed property, which dates back to the 18th century, required sensitive renovations and additions to restore it to a high-end luxury hotel destination.

Project Overview

The project involved the following key elements:

• Design of substructure and superstructure for a new staff accommodation building in the car park area
• Design of substructure and superstructure for a new arrival lodge building, also located in the car park
• Underpinning design and structural design for internal alterations to the existing Pavilion building, which had experienced past subsidence issues, including a proposed extension/partial rebuild
• Underpinning design and structural design for internal changes to the Temple building, which had also been impacted by subsidence

Restoration of the Pavilion

The Pavilion, originally an 18th-century fishing lodge, is Grade I listed and requires a conservation-led approach. The restoration works included:

• Repairing and conserving the timber-framed structure, which had been compromised by past alterations and additions
• Carefully restoring the iconic “Monkey Room” on the ground floor, with its unique painted ceiling depicting monkeys
• Converting the upper floor of the octagonal lodge into a whiskey bar, restoring original features such as interior window shutters
• Replacing unsympathetic 1960s additions with more appropriate fenestration and detailing to enhance the setting of the original lodge
• Creating a new restaurant space facing the River Thames, with a new riverside terrace and improved access to existing moorings

Renovating the Temple

The Temple building, also Grade I listed, required structural interventions to address subsidence issues and facilitate internal changes while preserving its historic character. The works included:

• Underpinning the foundations to stabilise the structure
• Refurbishing the 1960s accommodation wing to provide updated guest rooms
• Sensitively integrating new mechanical and electrical services
• Restoring the original 18th-century room on the first floor, which features ornate panelling and plasterwork

New Buildings: Staff Accommodation and Arrival Lodge

To improve the hotel’s operations and guest experience, two new buildings were designed for the car park area:

• Staff Accommodation Building: A two-story barn-style structure, replacing a dilapidated single-story building, to provide improved staff facilities and consolidate back-of-house functions
• Arrival Lodge: A classically inspired building positioned at the end of a new tree-lined approach to create a sense of arrival and welcome for guests, housing reception, waiting areas, and luggage storage

Enhancing the Landscape and Setting

The external works aimed to enhance the historic riverside setting and improve the arrival experience:

• Introducing an avenue of trees in the car park to frame views of the island and create a sense of anticipation
• Realigning paths and upgrading surface materials to improve circulation and accessibility
• Discreetly integrating a new energy centre to serve the island buildings, removing outdated plant and equipment

Challenges and Solutions

The Monkey Island Estate project presented several challenges due to its historical significance, site constraints, and the need to integrate modern amenities while preserving the character of the listed buildings.

1. Structural Stability and Subsidence: Both the Pavilion and Temple buildings experienced subsidence issues, which required careful underpinning and stabilisation. Clegg developed tailored underpinning solutions for each structure, minimising disturbance to the historic fabric while ensuring long-term stability.
2. Sensitive Restoration and Modernisation: Balancing the restoration of historic features with integrating modern services and amenities was a delicate task. Clegg worked closely with conservation specialists and the design team to develop strategies that respected the historic fabric while meeting contemporary standards. For example, the team carefully threaded new mechanical and electrical services through the buildings, utilising discreet routes and minimising visual impact.
3. Site Constraints and Access: The island location and limited access via a narrow footbridge posed challenges for construction logistics and material transport. Clegg collaborated with the contractor to develop a phased construction plan that minimised disruption to the sensitive site and optimised the use of temporary works. The team also liaised with the Environment Agency regarding replacing the existing footbridge, which will be subject to a separate planning application.
4. Coordinating with Multiple Stakeholders: The project involved a diverse range of stakeholders, including the client, architects, conservation specialists, local authorities, and Historic England. Clegg was key in coordinating input from these parties and ensuring the structural design aligned with the overall project vision and conservation objectives.

Clegg successfully delivered structural solutions that balanced heritage conservation, modern functionality, and site-specific constraints by proactively addressing these challenges and working closely with the project team.

Summing Up

The redevelopment of Monkey Island Estate illustrates Clegg’s expertise in sensitively restoring and adapting historic buildings while introducing new elements to ensure their viable future use.

The project successfully preserved the site’s unique heritage while creating a revitalised luxury destination through close collaboration with the client team and a meticulous approach to structural design.

Monkey Island Estate reopened in 2018, securing its position as a premier hotel celebrating its rich history while offering exceptional contemporary facilities and service.

Learn more about Clegg’s other projects here, or to work with us, contact us here.