Heritage Brickwork Restoration has carried out a complete re-pointing of our "Grade II Listed Building" in Minster Road, Monkton which has completely transformed the appearance and we are very pleased with the outcome. As you will appreciate taking on a listed property is a difficult task and I can say that all of the tradesmen that we have engaged during the process have all commented in a very positive way saying that the re-pointing work has been done in a very professional way and to the highest standard.
I came across Heritage Brickwork whilst they were sub-contracting for a building firm called BEK Build, who are working on no 2 The Borough, Canterbury. This building, dating from the C15th and C17th, had become structurally unstable and was on the Councils Buildings at Risk register. The owner has employed BEK Build to restore the building and the work is currently ongoing.
During the work, the tall C16th central chimney stack was also found to be unstable and was leaning severely to the NW and the decision was taken to dismantle the stack down to just below roof level and reconstruct it. The stack was recorded by Canterbury Archaeological Trust as it was dismantled and rebuilt to the original design by Marcus Clark. This was a complicated multi-flued stack and the work was carried out in a good matching brick and a Lime mortar.
The work was carefully thought out and the brickwork was laid beautifully, with neat flush and brushed off joints and the restored stack look just right! I have confidence that Marcus is a skilled bricklayer and he is thoughtful about how his work should relate to the existing building and its character
Yours sincerely
Clive Bowley Dip Arch (Canterbury) Chartered Architect
IHBC Principal Conservation Officer
Canterbury City Council
Military Rd
Canterbury CT1 1YW
We employed Heritage Brickwork Restoration to restore a Chateau built in 1880 in Northern France. I received many quotes from local Artisan Builders, but decided to employ Heritage Brickwork Restoration on recommendation from a friend who had used them on a Grade I listed property.
The work consisted of major re-pointing in lime mortar to match the existing building. Heritage colour tested the original and prepared a special mix which exactly matched the original. We were delighted with the outcome, as you really couldn’t tell the difference between the old and the new.
A long stretch of typically French Balustrade wall had to be re-built as it was unsafe and falling down in places, having been covered in ivy which had penetrated the brickwork and there was even a large sycamore root growing through the centre of it. Heritage Brickwork had to take the wall down to almost ground level and they managed to rebuild it using the original materials. The end result was fabulous.
We also had new balustrading to the grand front entrance of the Chateau as the original had been badly damaged by frost and was literally falling down. Heritage Brickworks made a fantastic job of re-instating with brand new balustrading despite the hugely difficult mitred angles. The colour match to the existing stone steps was perfect.
There was also major structural alteration to some of the outbuildings to accommodate a new gymnasium and sauna room, the floor levels had to be raised and new door openings had to be cut through extremely thick walling. One overly large stable door had to be reduced in size meaning that brickwork had to be matched in with the existing.
All in all it was a major project undertaken over a two year period. As a result of using Heritage Brickwork Restoration we now are the proud owners of a stunningly beautiful Chateau, which has been restored to its former glory. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Reference: Mr and Mrs H Courtenay
