Restoration & Conservation > Tithe Barn

Project Report

CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF A TITHE BARN IN DORSET    

Client: Private Client
Architect: Stuart Martin Architects
Engineer: Brody Forbes Partnership
Main Contractor: Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd
Requirements 

The building dates back to the 17th Century and is owned by a private client.  The condition of the building had deteriorated over the years with modern additions and alterations taking place in the 1920’s and 1930’s contributing to the deterioration of the fabric.

Our brief was to conserve and restore the Tithe Barn and return it to its former glory and to renovate the southern extension to ensure it became an integral part of the Tithe Barn.

Construction

The first operation was to prop and shore areas of bulging exterior walls and then completely enclose the barn with scaffolding, a temporary roof and vertical sheeting.  The concrete tiles were stripped to alleviate loadings and all modern softwood timbers were removed.  Work then began in restoring the principle oak trusses, ridges and purlins and a completely new oak kicker plate was installed at eaves level in preparation to receive the new thatched roof coverings. 

Rafters were then fitted that were all oak to replicate those originally used.

Repairs to external walls commenced involving the rebuilding of sections of “bulging” stone work, re-pointing the building completely in lime mortar both Internally and externally. Bentonite/heritage grouting the rubble core and carrying out mortar repairs and plastic stone repairs where required.

Thatching then commenced to replicate the original roof covering of the building and the repairs to the large barn doors and hayloft doors continued.  All the ironmongery was restored and overhauled and those pieces missing were replaced with hand forged replicas.

The renovation of the southern extension took place while the conservation of the main Tithe Barn proceeded.  Stonework was repointed to match the barn and oak trusses and roof structure were fixed to receive the thatched roof coverings.  This section of the building was transformed into a workshop and included the installation of leaded lights and oak joinery to match the period and style of the main barn. 

When the Tithe Barn was unwrapped from its protection used whilst restoration took place and the scaffold struck, the original appearance and style was again restored.