Client:
Private Client
Architect:
LDN Architects
Background Information
Harper & Allan Masonry Ltd were awarded the contract for repair works to the steadings of Coldstone House in July 2016
The buildings were originally farm buildings but were currently being used as storage and over the years had been patched in with inappropriate repairs and the roofs have been suffering from water ingress for a period of time. Harper & Allan Masonry were contracted to carry out fabric repairs to all 3 buildings. It is thought that the buildings were built at different stages as each building differs slightly in building style to the neighbouring buildings.
Prior to starting onsite, ground levels were reduced where levels had built up over the years.
Midden Building – Downtakings
Harper and Allan Masonry teamed up with Stewart Wilson Joinery (Rothiemay) and Dow Slaters (Rhynie) to carry out the repair works and work started onsite on the 1st of September 2016
External scaffolding was erected and removal of existing finishes was carried out to all roofs and buildings. All walls were then powerwashed to remove any loose soil and material following ground removal at the rear of the buildings. The midden buildings roof was recorded and removed.
Midden Building
Following the removal of the roof, 2 no cobble floors were found along with a 3.4m timber beam which indicated a previous larger opening and upon closer inspection of the front elevation stonework it was clear that this opening had previously been reduced in width and both crosswalls had been downtaken and rebuilt to make a wider room in the middle. The decision was then taken to reinstate the original opening and reinstall a new air dried oak beam and the crosswalls were downtaken and rebuilt back in the original location.
Once the cross walls were rebuilt work was then started on repairing / rebuilding the stone ingoes prior to the new oak beam and roof being installed. Existing granite was cut / trimmed to size and built up to height to allow the new oak beam to be installed.
New Air Dried oak beams were then installed and the new cut roof constructed.
Once the roof was removed an old fireplace opening was uncovered and some further investigation done in the local area to try to determine style and height of chimney that was originally there. A decision was made to reinstate the chimney using local reclaimed granite rybats and granite cope to a height level with the ridge stones. The existing fireplace was consolidated and then chimney rebuilt.
Midden Building – Before – After
Block A – Downtakings
The slates from block A were removed to allow inspection of existing timber substrate to determine scope of repair. Initial scope of works was to replace the north east corner over the back of the old garage while replacing several rafter ends. Once close inspection was undertaken, it became clear that there would be a higher cost to repair the roof than there was to replace it so the client took the decision to replace it to save ongoing maintenance costs. The old roof was then removed and wallheads repaired prior to the new structure being installed in January 2017.
Block A – New Roof
The slates from block A were removed to allow inspection of existing timber substrate to determine scope of repair. Initial scope of works was to replace the north east corner over the back of the old garage while replacing several rafter ends. Once close inspection was undertaken, it became clear that there would be a higher cost to repair the roof than to replace it so the client took the decision to replace it to save ongoing maintenance costs. The old roof was then removed and wallheads repaired prior to the new structure being installed in January 2017.
Midden Building – Slating
While the roof over block A was being constructed, Dow Slaters concentrated on the leadworks and slating over the midden building with approx. 40% of reclaimed slate sourced and dressed and in early February 2017 moved on to start the slating over Block A.
Block A – Slating
Pointing
Sample panels of pointing were carried out to determine colour and pointing style and the photo below shows various mixes with different finishes applied and pointing underway on the rear of block A
Pointing Complete – Block A
Studio Internal
Studio Internal – Complete
Studio Opening Alteration
One of the main alterations during the contract was to remove the modern concrete block built up single door and centralise and reduce the existing opening while using traditional materials to match the existing build. Local salvaged granite was sourced and temporary works installed and the old steel beam was removed and the new opening built.
Studio Opening Alteration
Dry Stone Walling
Following the completion of the building repairs, attention was then turned to landscaping. Harper & Allan was then awarded the contract to install various section of dry stone walling. Local stone was sourced and then installed in stages working alongside the landscape gardener
Complete
