Unique 16-sided scaffolding helps keep A la Ronde safe and dry

Some one-of-a-kind 16-sided scaffolding has been created around the roof of A la Ronde, the National Trust’s quirky 16-sided house near Exmouth, meaning work can begin to make it watertight and keep the 223-year-old unique shell gallery housed inside the roof, safe and dry.

The team behind the plan to repair the 16-sided historic house say a survey commissioned by the National Trust showed that some urgent repairs were needed to the roof to help the charity continue to protect the shell gallery, made up of thousands of delicate artefacts ranging from sea shells to bird feathers.

The work could only be done with a bespoke16-sided scaffold, which has attracted attention in the construction world due to its unique nature.

Now the 16-sided scaffolding is in place, work to stop the water ingress coming into the building and putting the internationally-important shell gallery at risk can go ahead.

Thanks to donations from supporters, volunteers and visitors work can begin on the top part of the roof to start repairing it with 1,500 Delabole slates –  visitors can still donate towards fixing the leaky roof and have their names or special messages written on some of the 1,500 tiles that will be used in the repairs.

Made up of a dazzling array of patterns and designs, the gallery was created by two pioneering women, Jane and Mary Parminter. The cousins were inspired to create the 16-sided building after returning from the Grand Tour. But the display contains more than just shells – lichen, ceramics, bone, starfish, mirror and other materials were set into the plaster in decorative designs.

Once the roof is watertight, the conservation of the gallery means the charity can continue to make sure that the chance to visit this little gem remains for everyone to enjoy.

Although there will be scaffold around the house, visitors will still be able to enjoy exploring the world of Mary and Jane Parminter inside the house and stroll around the garden and meadows surrounding A la Ronde.

As part of the roof plans, the National Trust is trying to raise funds by creating a rare chance to be part of the fabric of the building and have their name on one 1,500 roof slates. There are options to sponsor a whole slate for £10, or add someone’s name to a group slate for £1. The slates will then be going onto the roof to make the house watertight.

Visitor Experience Manager Emma Kay explained “We’re looking forward to being able to make the roof watertight again. Every penny we can raise towards the cost of the repairs will make a real difference, so we’re really pleased to offer this rare chance to become a fabric of the building.

She continued, “It’s been lovely seeing some of the messages people have put on the slates so far.”

The repair work means that the vital conservation work to the gallery and house can continue.

Visitors can see the fantastic shell and feather designs throughout the house, find out about the creative design and ask about the one and only male owner. With the 360-degree touchscreen virtual tour visitors can also get up close to the shell gallery; and view the shell ceiling as the Parminters intended.