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The Importance of Experiential Education in the Building Conservation Sector
Building conservation sits at the intersection of heritage, craft, science, and community responsibility. It requires not only technical skill but also cultural sensitivity, historical understanding, and a deep respect for the stories embodied in the built environment. In such a multifaceted field, experiential education—learning through direct, hands-on experience—plays a central role. While theoretical knowledge provides essential foundations, it is the lived, tactile engag
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Dec 4, 20253 min read
Comprehensive Property Maintenance Solutions for Your Needs
Maintaining heritage and listed properties requires a meticulous approach that balances preservation with modern functionality. These buildings often come with unique challenges that demand specialised knowledge and careful planning. I have found that adopting a comprehensive property care strategy is essential to protect the architectural integrity and long-term value of such properties. This article explores practical steps and expert advice to help you manage these respons
dc0836
Dec 3, 20254 min read
The Role of Home Inspection Services in Purchases
Purchasing a property, especially one with heritage or listed status, involves numerous complexities. The stakes are high, and the potential for unforeseen issues can significantly impact both the value and longevity of the investment. This is where pre-purchase inspections become indispensable. They provide a detailed understanding of the property's condition, helping to avoid costly surprises and ensuring informed decision-making. Understanding Pre-Purchase Inspections for
dc0836
Nov 26, 20253 min read
The Importance of a Heritage Statement in Preservation Efforts
Before conservation works a heritage statement should support planning andhelps formthe recognition of a buildings significance Preserving historic sites and buildings requires more than just good intentions. It demands clear understanding, careful planning, and effective communication. A heritage statement plays a crucial role in this process. It provides a detailed explanation of a site's significance and guides decisions that affect its future. This post explores why havin
dc0836
Nov 26, 20252 min read
A Building needing help!!!
This gorgeous victorian morturay chapel is in Petworth at a now closed cemetery. Erected in 1863 by Lord Leconfield it has completely slipped the net with no one claiming ownership. It has declined dramatically in the last 10 years and is now on the point of becoming quite dangerous. Apparently some money was raised by the local council, and Petworth estates to stabilise the building in 2010 but nothing came of it. The building isnt large approx 6m by 4m ish. Im thinking abou
dc0836
Oct 21, 20251 min read
Merdon: A Scheduled Monument of Historical Significance
The Rich History of Merdon Once a palace belonging to Henry de Blois, Merdon is a scheduled monument nestled within a Bronze Age hill fort. This unique location adds to its historical significance and allure. The remnants of the castle primarily consist of core work, as the facing stone has been largely removed over time. During my tenure at TGP Ltd, I was involved in specifying the consolidation and conservation works for this remarkable site. This included the delicate proc
dc0836
Oct 20, 20252 min read
dc0836
Oct 17, 20250 min read
Hellical Bar Repair
A few weeks agao i posted about a fantastic flint wall that had broken glas galleting. Walked passed it again today to find it had been repaired with helical bars. Unfortunately the pointing post repair leaves alot to be desired!
dc0836
Oct 17, 20251 min read
Remnants of a smoke bay
Great find today while carrying out a survey, the remnants of a smoke bay behind the chimney. Lovely smoke blackened beams. The smoke blackening really showing off the hewing marks on one of the rafters. Notice in the fourth picture the wattle has gone leaving a very limey daub behind and the fantastic waney edged collars in picture 6.
dc0836
Oct 15, 20251 min read
Ostwalds - Liesegang Space Super Saturation - Nucleation Deletion Cycle.
This occurs in limes that are rich in calcium or magnesium that has matured over a long period of time under water and is of extra purity. There are still disagreements over the mechanisms underlying this phenomenom. The smaller calcium hydroxide in long term aged putty enhances dissolution and increases the ion concentration while creating a large volume of pores. These small pores can sustain a high supersaturation ratio with respect to Calcium Carbonate resulting in higher
dc0836
Oct 14, 20251 min read
Ogee Oriel Window
This stuning window is in Chichester (North Street). According to Alan Green in his book The Building Of Georgian Chichester the window was probably added in 1760s in teh "Gothick" style (note the "K" meaning 18th C) in the style of a whimsical form popularised by Horace Walpole at his Strawberry Hill home.
dc0836
Oct 14, 20251 min read
Damage to 17th century wall painting
This Charles I crest in a local church is suffering damage caused by warm moist air rising form the heater and condensing on the thicker colder wall above. This has manifested as smudging on the "Christo Auspice Regno". This is compounded by two issues, flowers with water in the vase and the thinner wall of the blocked doorway being more susceptable to penetrating moisture. Its a convenient place for the heater but at what cost? As an aside, the painter has givene the unicorn
dc0836
Oct 13, 20251 min read
Church consecration marks and apotropaic symbols in houses
The idea of consecration crosses on buildings was originally to purify pagan temples during the conversion of the Roman Empire to...
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Oct 7, 20252 min read
Understanding the Dangers of Black Mould and the Role of a Surveyor in Mitigation
Black mould, scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum , is much more than an unsightly blot. This fungus can cause serious health...
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Oct 5, 20253 min read
New Laws for Landlords
Understanding Awaab's Law Awaab's Law is a term that has emerged in the context of housing and tenant rights in the United Kingdom,...
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Oct 3, 20252 min read
The Importance of a Pre Purchase Building Condition Survey for Home Buyers
When buying a home, many buyers focus on aesthetics, location, and price. However, one critical aspect often gets overlooked: the actual...
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Oct 3, 20253 min read
Broken Bottles used as Galleting
This is the second place i have found bits of broken glass used as galleting in Chichester, looking at the thickness of the glass I would...
dc0836
Oct 2, 20251 min read
Victorian Buildings
Looking after Victorian buildings requires a careful balance between preservation, functionality, and respect for historic character....
dc0836
Oct 1, 20251 min read
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