Camellia House at Planting Fields Arboretum

Greenhouse Exterior Restoration

The Camellia House is a key destination at the Planting Fields Arboretum. The original greenhouse was constructed in the 1910s, with two ranges added in 1922. In the time since then, the aging landmark had fallen into disrepair and required significant exterior restoration.  As part of this effort, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) selected our team to restore the exterior of the greenhouse to its original design intent.

During the first phase of the project, we performed a restoration of the brick buttresses, brick piers, exterior stucco facade, steel column supports, and interior stair reconstruction. The existing mortar and stucco was sampled and analyzed to assist in a match for the specifications in the restoration. The existing clinker bricks were common throughout the site and were reused, where possible.

A feasibility study was performed during the second phase of the restoration, including the reglazing of portions of the building and the repair, replacement, and/or restoration of the integral gutter system, ventilation systems, existing interior doors and porticos, and the remainder of the structural system not addressed during the first phase.

In addition to the exterior renovation, we worked closely with a greenhouse consultant to address damage caused by Super Storm Sandy.