Wentworth Woodhouse
Blending contemporary design with efficient lighting to enhance visitor experience and preserve a treasured heritage
Established in 1725, Wentworth Woodhouse is a Grade I listed country house on the outskirts of Rotherham, with a wealth of history. Once home to Prime Minister Charles Watson-Wentworth in the 18th century, it has since served as a WW2 Intelligence Corps HQ, an open-cast coal site, and later, Lady Mabel College of Physical Education.
By 1989, the estate had fallen into disrepair. However, in 2016, the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) acquired the site for £7M, setting in motion a transformative restoration. The restoration included Camellia House (built in 1738)—a former tearoom turned orangery, now reopened as a venue for events thanks to national and community funding.
To accommodate growing visitor numbers, a new woodland car park was developed — requiring an efficient, sustainable lighting solution that complemented the estate’s historic setting while providing a welcoming, contemporary touch.
Lighting that complements its environment
Urbis Schréder was appointed by WWPT’s design partner, Max Fordham, to develop a lighting scheme that would balance performance with sustainability and visual harmony.
The design needed to be modern and minimal to support the estate’s evolving event space. Lighting points had to be kept to a minimum while still achieving a level of 20 lux and 0.25 uniformity as a way of reducing costs and material usage. Above all, the solution had to blend seamlessly into the woodland setting with minimal environmental impact.
To meet these goals, we selected sustainably sourced wooden poles from Valmont Tehomet, a trusted partner with whom we have a long-standing relationship. Certified by PEFC, these poles offer a low-carbon alternative to traditional metal columns, which require significantly more energy to produce and dispose of. Additionally, the wooden poles act as natural carbon sinks, helping to reduce the project’s overall environmental impact. At the end of their lifespan, they can be recycled or biodegraded, further supporting our sustainability objectives.
Their natural finish delivers a clean, modern aesthetic that harmonises with the surrounding woodland, while fulfilling the distinct design vision requested by the design team.
Blending aesthetics and performance
To accompany the wooden columns, our sleek VALINTA scope were chosen for their refined design and performance. Their smooth, curved profiles pair perfectly with the natural finish of the wooden poles, adding a cohesive, contemporary touch to the woodland car park.
The lanterns are installed in a staggered layout, not only maximising light coverage but also creating a distinctive visual aesthetic for the site. Their high-performance design enabled the team to meet illumination targets with just 6 poles and 13 lanterns mounted, across the access roads and car park, keeping costs low while prioritising safety. The installation was carried out by M&R on behalf of lead contractor William Birch.
A welcoming, sustainable arrival experience
This lighting solution provides safe, clear wayfinding for visitors while fostering a calming and cohesive atmosphere. It complements the site's restored beauty and helps support Wentworth Woodhouse's long-term vision of preserving its heritage while inviting new experiences for future generations.
