Our philosophy is based on the desire to respect and sympathetically care for old buildings. We advise on sustainable and appropriate conservation solutions, with knowledge and awareness that is based on best-practice information from leading authorities, including English Heritage, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), British Standards, Planning Policy Guidance PPG15 and leading experts, professionals and practitioners in their respective fields – e.g., conservation philosophy, timber decay and treatment, breathability and damp, hydraulic and non-hydraulic lime mortars, renders and washes, the heritage protection/listing system etc. Our approach will always be in line with the SPAB guiding principles (and subsequently endorsed by various international conservation charters) which include:

• Repair and maintenance rather than restoration or replacement
• Minimum intervention
• Minimise the loss of original fabric in order to maintain authenticity
• Carry out appropriate, sympathetic, honest and careful repairs using proven materials

We advocate the specification and use of lime-based products extensively when working on traditional buildings, including:

• Lime mortar for building, pointing, rendering and lime-washing
• Limecrete floors
• Conservation mortar repair work (plastic repairs)

We have a comprehensive understanding of the range of building limes available and their individual merits and limitations. Other products we specify and work with on a regular basis include sheep’s wool insulation, wood-fibre insulation board, clay paint and oak laths.

We are dedicated to the restoration and repair of older properties and welcome the opportunity of discussing your particular needs and delivering a solution that comprises an informed balance of conservation philosophy and methodology.