Winchester Cathedral - The Garden Marquee

Our clients at Winchester Cathedral were keen to upgrade their event space known as, The Garden Marquee. Set within a beautiful walled garden, The Garden Marquee is overlooked by the Cathedral. A popular space for hosting a wide range of occasions from weddings, corporate events and garden parties.

Winchester Cathedral sought to enhance its event space, The Garden Marquee, situated within a scenic walled garden and overlooked by the Cathedral. This venue hosts a variety of occasions, including weddings, corporate events, and garden parties. The Cathedral aimed for an upgraded structure that would not only provide an enhanced aesthetic but also ensure year-round usability for events accommodating up to 150 guests.

Key Challenges

Due to the marquee’s location in the historic cathedral grounds, the installation required minimal ground impact, adhering to Historic England's regulations that prohibited ground stakes. Additionally, the restricted walled garden access meant all materials had to be manually transported, making logistics a important challenge to overcome.

Our Approach

We selected a 12m x 15m Hampshire Structures Series 170 model, known for its energy efficiency. The structure’s insulated roof, featuring a double-layer PVC membrane, provided superior thermal performance.

In our collaboration with Oasis Event Door Ltd, we prioritised sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient external wall cladding that not only improves insulation but also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the building. Additionally, opting for double-glazed elements throughout the structure, which further bolsters energy conservation by reducing heat loss and minimising noise infiltration. This thoughtful combination of materials and techniques ensures a comfortable and eco-friendly environment for all users.

Innovative Solutions

To ensure the preservation of the grounds,  a carefully designed system of concrete pads that would support a robust 5.5-ton steel subframe floor we installed. This innovative approach not only eliminated the need for traditional ground stakes, which could have disturbed the soil and vegetation, but also provided a stable and secure foundation for the structure.

By using this method, the project adhered to all historic preservation guidelines, allowing the maintenance and  the integrity of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, this solution played a crucial role in protecting the cathedral’s walled garden, safeguarding its historical and ecological value for future generations to appreciate.

Expert Marquee Manufacturers

As a leading marquee manufacturer, J & J Carter stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality. Our marquees are fully compliant with safety standards and can span up to an impressive 25 meters. Explore our extensive range of marquee structures today to elevate your business and event spaces. 

Contact us today to discuss the endless possibilities.