Renovation Restoration & Conservation
With a great deal of experience of renovation and restoration projects, whilst working on some wonderful properties, a consistent ethos is that the owners feel that they are the custodians of this piece of history at this point in time. Whether the property is listed or not, in these times most custodians want to restore the original fabric of the building, whilst increasing the comfort, such as insulation and heating.
Whether you’re property is in need of some light restoration or full renovation, we are here to lead you through the entire journey. I have included a few photos on this page to demonstrate just a snapshot of some of the work that we have carried out, but you can be assured that we will advise you of the most sympathetic and cost effective ways of bringing your property back to an original and comfortable state.
Property renovation and restoration in Nailsworth.
The process of property renovation and restoration can be an ongoing process. This photo, (December, 2023) is the latest development completing the frontage to Glendower following the rebuild of the retaining, drystone wall.
Glendower renovation and restoration.
The transformation of Glendower has been wonderful to see and the renovation works have allowed the current owner to remain in the property without the worry of it crumbling around him. The renovation and restoration works have taken place over a period of around 4 years.
Restoration, Renovation and Conservation specialist, Thomson Design & Build, have breathed new life into this old property. ‘We were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to renovate this beautiful grade 2 listed cottage, once owned by the poet, W.H Davies’.
Unfortunately, the cottage had fallen into a bad state of repair with damp and rot really taking a hold. Some of the property was boarded up and patched up, unfortunately the boarding wasn’t very effective, leading to the renovation of many internal elements.
Renovation and Restoration techniques have improved a great deal over the last 30 years. Cement pointing and unsympathetic modifications contribute to the demise of such buildings. This end porch was probably built in the 80s and was only contributing to the damp problem.
The extension had been joined, rather unsympathetically, to the gable wall with no regard to the natural stone that was then hidden. Leading to damp being trapped in the wall. Eventually, the wall dismantled and corrected using traditional conservation methods.
The materials used here (in the 80’s),were concrete block, asbestos and very thin glass. All of these materials are not welcome on a modern renovation or restoration project.
Looking up the road at Glendower it is not possible to see the property at all. There was a careful plan to remove unwanted and overgrown garden waste but access was almost impossible. There is no parking and the road is quite busy. To make matters worse, a previous builder had left tons of building waste in the garden, making this a logistical challenge.
Years of neglect, traffic and rain had caused the wall under the railing to collapse. As the railings are part of the listing this is one of the main reasons for this property renovation. It was essential to preserve them to the way they were created initially.
Concrete render, boarded up rooms that need ventilation and overgrown laurel hedge all contributed to the problems that required extensive renovation, restoration and conservation.
The corner window could not be saved, however, it was completely recreated using our bespoke joinery workshops. This property renovation restoration project was quite rewarding. This corner window had seen many years of damp, causing it to rot throughout.
Wondering where to start! Making some space was quite important.
This crumbling wall was close to collapse which could have led to further problems.
The remains of the gable wall following the removal of the porch.
Restoration can be a challenge, retaining the story of the building and preserving that which can be saved is the art of renovation.
Neglected properties breed damp and rot, it is crucial to protect the structure from the elements.
Thomson manage many restoration and renovation projects, combining landscaping in cases like this.
With the hedge cleared, the cottage was able to see light which immediately allowed some drying to take place.
Renovation of the main floor, here the oak timbers were rotten beyond repair and propped up by this post. Full restoration required. This will later have to be replaced by our Joinery experts.
Floor removed revealing a lot of crumbling stone.
The new ‘like-for-like’ Oak post and beam floor. See ‘Joinery page’.
The completed floor which will last a few hundred years to come.
Traditional lime rendering over lathes.
Fully straightened and rebuilt wall and railings.
The start of the gable wall rebuild.
A lot of the stone in this restoration project had been destroyed by frost over the years so was replaced with locally sourced stone.
From this picture you can see the new Oak lintel above the door. The new door is being custom built and will be replaced soon.
During this renovation project the gable wall was rebuilt using traditional lime mortar.
New Oak fascia and Oak laths above.
From the archives.
