Quadriga

Ackhurst Lodge, Astley Park

Click the links to see some of our work:

Project : The Roundhouse, Derby
Project : Bridge Street, Chester
Project : Ackhurst Lodge, Astley Park
Project : Esholt Hall, Leeds

Client: Chorley Borough Council

Contract: Complete external restoration of Grade I Listed timber framed house

Scope of Works:

• The restoration of the external elevations involving repairs to the two chimneys by carefully removing the top seven courses of brick which were rebuilt using reclaimed bricks. The existing pointing was hand raked out and new lime mortar applied where necessary and two new ‘Big Bishop' decorative flue pots bedded on top of the chimney.
• Repair works to the three roof coverings by removing the stone slates and ridges. The roof timbers and structure were inspected, and replacement timber beams positioned where some existing beams had been discarded due to decay and deterioration. A new roof membrane and insulation was installed and the existing roof slates re-fixed using oak pegs. The ridge stones were rebedded and lime mortar applied to the underside of the eaves between the rafters. Some of the rain water gutters, brackets and down pipes were removed and new cast iron rainwater goods put up in their place.
• Repairs to the oak timber frame and infill panels took place, consisting of a combination of both traditional and modern repair methods. This included splice repairs which incorporated new mortice and tenon joints and epoxy mortar repairs. The old wattle and daub panels constructed with horsehair for additional reinforcement was reinstated and new oak lathing fitted and finished with a hydraulic lime based render coat. Lime putty was then used to fill in any gaps around the existing infill panels and around 30 oak pegs were replaced as many are missing or had been damaged.
• Stone repairs and repointing took place by raking out and repointing the stone ashlar plinth to one side of the chimney and to the west elevation of the lodge.
• The windows which had been boarded up due to vandalism were repaired, new ironmongery such as hinges, catches and leadwork will be replaced and the windows are to be reglazed and redecoration will take place where necessary.
• Internally, the existing wallpaper was removed from the walls, all electrical fittings stripped out, the front and rear doors redecorated and new plasterboard ceilings installed. Finally, the entire building was repainted and redecorated and handed back to the council.

Status: Main Contractor

Value: £80,000

Duration: 12 Weeks