BUILDING & RESTORATION


Richard Harbury Stonemasonry provides a concise range of building, restoration and conservation services throughout Somerset, the close counties and the U.K. Working closely with clients, architects and conservation officers our wealth of technical and practical knowledge and experience gained from over twenty eight years in the industry ensures a reliable, professional and considerate service.
Quality is of paramount importance in both product, service and available knowledge and advice. Our ethos regarding materials selection has been developed to ensure full compatability with the existing and surrounding environment and materials.

Our building services include
  • Historic buildings and period property conservation, restoration and maintenance
  • The design, production, supply and installation of architectural stonemasonry and architectural carving
  • New build projects including all walling styles from fine ashlar work, mortared coursed, random coursed and random rubble, flint work and dry stone
  • Internal and external flooring and paving
Shown below are some examples of past projects demonstrating the individual services and quality provided

WINDOW TO DOORWAY CONVERSION


A pictoral demonstration showing a sympathetic conversion from a mullioned/transomed window into an attractive three centred arch doorway with semi circular arched window lights above.



TRACERY WINDOW RESTORATION, St.MARY'S CHURCH, BROUGHTON
On the left can be seen the extensive damage and loss of detail caused by the breakdown of the stone.
The image on the right shows the tracery restoration completed with stone replacement to the upper section.
There will obviously be some contention over stone replacement versus stone repair. In this instance replacement was specified by Architect and Conservation Officer, possibly due to the high loss of masonry and to preserve the geometric details before they are totally lost in time to further erosion.
Saint Mary's Church originates from the 12th century. For more information please visit Saint Mary's Church Website

Coed y Celyn Farm, Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. Restoration and Vertical Extension
The photograph above shows Coed y Celyn farm, originally an 18th century abattoir with work completed

The first day on site was greeted with the task of stone walling consolidation before the work of extending the height of the building by one metre could begin.It is quite obvious that the building has been heavily neglected and poorly maintained over the years, quite typical of many older farm buildings.
The damage was further increased due to the property being abandoned, roofless and left bare to the sometimes harsh North Wales weather. Unprotected wall tops allow water to penetrate causing the breakdown and washing out of mortar. Much of the damage had been caused by attempts to alter the dimensions and positions of the openings.

The picture on the left shows an attempt to convert a window into a doorway before the building was abandoned.

The picture on the right shows work underway to secure the more vulnerable areas of the structure begining with the consolidation and support of the corners.
The picture on the left shows the building after considerable progress is made including the fixing of slate window cills and heads, the vertical extension backing blockwork and the roof trusses. The photograph on the right showing the East facade of the building complete with slated roof and awaiting the windows.

The photograph on the left shows the progress on the South elevation with the doorway reveal rebuilt and the slate cills ready to be fixed.

On the right, window cills in and the outer jambs built to wall head height.
Photograph on the left showing a simple slate corbel designed to support the chimney stack. The photograph on the right and below showing the stack built up to the wall head height and the remaining jambs and infill completed.


Work completed on Coed y Celyn Farm.

TAYLORS ALMS HOUSE, BEDWIN STREET, SALISBURY. DOORWAY RESTORATION
Taylor’s Almshouse, Bedwin St. Salisbury was built from a bequest made by city alderman Thomas Taylor in 1698
It was rebuilt in 1886 by the Municipal Charities Trustees, although they seem to have followed the original design.
A concise and award winning stonework restoration project in 2002 was carried out. My role included the working and supply of the pediment springers, door head and doorway plinth stones as well as the fixing of string course, window surrounds and cills.

INDIAN SANDSTONE FLOORING
Indian sandstone flags layed in a random coursed bond. The stone has a very fine rubbed finish, more suitable than a riven finish for attaining a level surface (no wobbly table legs here!) The stones were layed over an underfloor heating system
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