Royal Blackheath Golf Club Pavilion – Heritage Construction at Eltham Lodge

Royal Blackheath Golf Club, recognised as the oldest golf club in England, is set within the grounds of Eltham Lodge. Built in 1664 for Sir John Shaw and designed by Hugh May, the Lodge is a Grade I listed Restoration-era mansion and one of the finest surviving examples of its kind. Today, it remains at the heart of the club, serving as its historic clubhouse and a landmark of architectural heritage. 

MJ Rooney were appointed to construct a new pavilion beside the Lodge. The goal was to create a sheltered outdoor space for members and guests that could be used year-round for events and social gatherings. Delivering this project required not only technical expertise but also sensitivity to both the heritage and ecology of the site. 

The club required a 130 square metre covered seating area located directly alongside the west elevation of Eltham Lodge. As this elevation is one of the first views that members and visitors see on arrival, the structure had to enhance, rather than detract from, the historic setting. 

There were unique challenges to address. It had been reported that the Lodge was damaged by bombing during the Second World War, raising the potential risk of unexploded ordnance in the ground. This required adjustments to excavation methods and the introduction of additional safety procedures.

Heritage considerations were equally important. The first design for a slate-roofed gazebo was judged to be too heavy against the façade of the Lodge. Conservation officers called for a lighter, more sympathetic approach that would not compete with the proportions or symmetry of the Grade I listed building. 

The final design is a lightweight oak pergola with a sedum and wildflower roof, chosen to soften the appearance of the structure and provide ecological benefits. The pavilion is supported by ten two-metre by one-metre pad foundations and formed around a hybrid steel and oak frame. The steel provides the strength to achieve a large open span without intrusive central columns, while the hollowed oak cladding ensures the structure matches the character of the historic clubhouse. 

Because of the complexity of the design, the entire pavilion was modelled in 3D digital space before construction began. This allowed our engineers to resolve every detail in advance and gave our site team confidence that the build could proceed with minimal disruption. 

Excavations were carried out by hand with the support of metal detection equipment, and all operatives were trained to identify and respond to potential ordnance. These safety measures ensured the risks associated with the site’s wartime history were properly managed. 

The sedum and wildflower roof not only improves the visual appearance of the pavilion but also contributes to biodiversity. It creates new habitats for pollinators, assists with stormwater management, and ensures that no ecological value was lost through the build. Four rooflights were introduced to bring natural daylight into the pavilion, while integrated lighting allows the space to be enjoyed into the evening. 

The completed pavilion provides Royal Blackheath Golf Club with a versatile, weatherproof space that complements Eltham Lodge without compromising its historic character. Built with sensitivity, innovation, and sustainability at its heart, the pavilion enhances the club’s facilities while contributing positively to its landscape and ecology. 

The project demanded complex engineering and advanced digital modelling, but the result is something more enduring, a structure that will stand as a lasting testament to careful construction in a historic setting.  

As our director reflected:

For me, it is a privilege to be part of the history of this site and to build something that will far outlive myself and everyone who worked on it, standing as a testament into the future.”

The pavilion now stands as both a practical addition to the club and a sensitive piece of heritage construction that will serve generations to come