Fresh from receiving a Royal Warrant from HM King Charles III – a milestone we recently reported on – conservation specialist DBR has secured another prestigious commission, this time to undertake heritage repairs to the historic Minka House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Commissioned by Kew's Capital Projects Team, the programme will preserve the traditional timber and thatched building, which was donated by the Japan Minka Reuse and Recycle Association as part of the Japan 2001 Festival. Originally home to the Yonezu family after their house was destroyed during the Second World War, the structure is now one of the UK's most significant examples of traditional Japanese domestic architecture.

The conservation project will combine specialist Japanese craftsmanship with sustainable repair techniques. Master Thatching Ltd will renew the thatched roof using traditional methods, while Sands & Randall will undertake repairs to the timber frame using Japanese joinery. DBR Conservation will restore the mud floor and internal plaster wall panels, with all replacement timber responsibly sourced from Japan in accordance with UK Forestry Commission requirements.

Working alongside Clews Architects, Firmingers and Hockley & Dawson Consulting Engineers, DBR will also adopt ecology-led construction methods to minimise environmental impact, including measures to protect local bat populations during the works.

DBR chairman Adrian Attwood said the project reflects the company's long-standing approach to conservation. "The Minka House represents a treasured example of traditional Japanese heritage, and our work will ensure its preservation through specialist craftsmanship and sustainable practices. This project demonstrates our commitment to balancing heritage conservation with ecological responsibility."

The works highlight the increasing emphasis on repairing and extending the life of historic buildings through traditional skills and carefully sourced natural materials. For DBR, whose portfolio spans palaces, cathedrals and nationally significant heritage assets, the Minka House represents another high-profile conservation project where craftsmanship and authenticity remain central to the building's long-term future.