Masonry.
Structural work
We build in brick, block stone and timber. By using authentic materials typical of
the region we are usually able to blend new to old
.
Because the stone is round and
smooth and there is no real bond wall ties are laid as the work progresses. The finished walls await there oak gates and tile cappings, indistinguishable from
the masonry of the existing buildings.
Its decided to enlarge the lounge into
the room beyond. The ceiling is supported on props, the wall removed
and at each end sockets cut to recieve
the bearing ends of the lintel..
This pair of stone walls was built partly to obscure the space beyond. and also to complete a formal courtyard. Made from river stone [large pebbles found on the river banks through out the area] and laid in a lime rich mortar, they blend nicely with the
origonal walls of the existing buildings.
The shuttering is made up and steel reinforcement introduced, concrete is
poured in through the open top and
vibrated. After a time the shuttering is
removed. All thats left is to make good.
This kind of work is bread and butter
and usualy straight forward but it can
transform the look and feel of the hole
house, turning what was two rather
small rooms into a spacious light and
airy lounge
The rough beam is rendered, plastered and
decorated and with the addition of the egg
and dart coving is absorbed into and becomes part of the architecture of the house. A nice feature doing a vital job.
The Terrace
Above shows the transformation of the old raised hard standing to the side of the house. The Author suggested the addition of the solid concrete base and full length
rising steps to create a split level terrace slabbed and landscaped its ideal for dineing
and entertaining.
Remedial
The following pictures show the rescue of the rear of this house in order to create a Kitchen but firstly to prevent collapse. It was found as you see it with the old timber wall
having been removed and therefore "with no visible means of support".
Once the gravity of the situation was realised, hard hats were issued and the roof immediately supported on props! What was left of the old frame was removed and the wall to the right [which was to be extended to support the roof] dog toothed to form a bond withe the new work. A foundation trench is dug and concrete poured. The new wall
together with doorway is built and a concrete Lintel cast above. The block work is continued to the required hight and joist built in. The wall is built up to roof level and the
Props removed. "Alls well that ends well."
