A Little Bit of Decay

This project shows what a few decades of neglect can do to a Listed Building; luckily the new owner will be returning this property to its former glory; Elmstone Design LLP have undertaken a comprehensive survey of the building and have prepared conservation sensitive repair and strengthening details in conjunction with traditional material specialists, Ray Moseley and planning consultant David Booth and architectural designers Arid Consultants.

The scheme has received Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent and the Conservation Officer is using the submission as an example for others to follow.

Works have started on site to make the buildings safe and repairs of the structure are now also underway. Perhaps now unfair to call the page: “A little bit of decay”, as you’ll see from the photos there was a lot, but works on site so far have nearly got us clear of that!

Scaffold including roof to protect building while roof and wall reapirs are undertaken

Clearing fallen stone from the barns

Regrettable but necessary removal of Holm Oak adjacent the Farm House

Deceptively good condition if you ignore the holes in the roof and tiles crashing around you

Ray Moseley, Traditional Repair Specialist, removing cement re-pointing

Tree roots growing into the building tend to cause cracks

The plaster might be falling off but at least the fern is growing well

The floorboards were so decayed that even the crows nesting in this room are in danger of falling through

Woodworm and Death Watch Beetle had the munchies on this joist

Neglect leading to collapse

The beauty in traditional buildings

New backing wall in lime mortar to enable retention and repair of facing chalk

Collapsed internal face of wall with brick repair to enable retention of original facing chalk

Surface decay to beam bearing but otherwise timber in remarkable condition

Replacement of decayed timber lintel under bem bearing into gable

Curved Collar brace repair by Sam

Roof Tiles Removed

Some more work for Sam

Worm and decay on rafter face

Sorting site stonework

Peter rebuilding the chalk face to match existing coursing

Tackling the famous British weather

Stone after removal of cement render by Jeff

Test area of re-pointing of loose random stones

Decay to truss apex

Planing off some holes

Entirely decayed truss removed

New oak truss ready to install

Alex fine tuning of the oak truss

Repaired elm truss in foreground and new oak truss behind

Repaired truss with replacement collar

timber plates to existing rafters to enable fixing of battens and new foil insulation

Steel frame to form new openings

Decayed end to floor beam

New flitch plate supporting existing beam onto new frame

New steelwork to support brickwork to be rebuilt with grey headers to match existing

New steel truss inserted within existing rafter and floor zone to support over stressed existing purlin

Roof repairs in progress

Jeff repairing the chimney