Netherhampton Gate, Wilton House

Situated on a tight bend on the Netherhampton Road, as it heads round towards its junction with the A36, the old gateway was notorious for impacts from motor vehicles, sometimes with fatal consequences. The new version sought to address this issue, as well as giving the gateway a visual aspect commensurate with its function as a secondary access point to Wilton House, used for instance for public events in the grounds. The judges appreciated the thorough rethink which had gone into the project, with the gate now set much further back, and approached by new flanking walls. These had been executed in a mix of brickwork and Chilmark stone, with new gate piers incorporating a prominent level of carved architectural detail,   while the gates have the appearance of traditional ironwork, done in steel. The judges were impressed by the quality of craftsmanship, particularly seen in the carved Chilmark stone. They also appreciated the safety improvements incorporated in the new design, with the gates now set much further back from the main road, automatic rising bollards in front of them, and expanses of gravel in front of the flank walls, to slow down any out of control vehicles. As a built structure, the gateway was clearly an appropriate entry into the awards scheme, and one that easily reached award level.

Architect: Digby Harris, on behalf of Francis Johnson and Partners

Photo: Wilton House Trust and Moulding