House in Frome

The decayed double-gable roof and valley gutter were stripped, the structure overhauled and insulated, and extensive deterioration of the stone parapets and flashings rectified. Interiors were dominated by timber beams, modern wall panelling, and bare stone walls, which when combined with a banked garden and deep plan, meant rooms were dark and uninviting.

Along the external walls and around the stair, areas of modern ashlar and trowel-finished concrete had been introduced to form deep cills, niches and alcoves; elements that contributed positively to the character of the building – a modern layer of construction that added colour and texture to the interiors – which were carefully restored.

The new material palette brings together these historic building elements and modern additions into a coherent composition: micro-cement was used throughout the ground floor to refinish an uneven concrete substrate – its buff/grey tone complementing the remaining flagstones in the entrance and ashlar details in the living area. Stonework was repointed in lime and refinished with either lime render or limewash; new cabinetry throughout is in birch plywood with a matt finish; whilst sisal carpet used on the upper floors.

Services are predominantly surface-mounted to avoid unnecessary alterations to the historic fabric. Space for concealed service runs was limited, so routes and detailing of conduit and other pipework were carefully planned at an early stage in order to ensure the installation was respectful of the existing building.

Listed Building Consent was also gained for a comprehensive scheme including reworking the first floor to be implemented as the family’s future needs dictated.

Annual CO2 data was not provided