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We read frequently about the conservation of historic buildings (graded
in the UK 1, 2* or 2). Much time, energy and money is used to care and
nurture them to ensure that they are here for generations to come.
However, unless they are very special, the interiors of these buildings
can often be neglected and are something of a Cinderella in the conservation
industry. While the interior is not on the public stage like the exterior,
it is the interior's viability that may hold the key to the future of
the building as a whole. The treatment of the interior may determine the
use of the building by the people who actually use it, whether it is privately,
commercially or publicly owned.
Kate passionately believes that the surroundings in which we work, rest
or play affect us minutely and at a subtle level. The aim in all her work
is to help clients create and nurture the special atmosphere that every
old building has, paying close heed and respect to its past but at the
same time taking advantage of 21st century technology and comforts.
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- What are they made of?
- Are they in good enough condition to be exposed?
- Do they need repair or just some gentle
treatment?
- Or can they simply be left alone?
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- Careful attention needs to be paid to the condition
of the plasterwork and to the paint, wallpaper, fabric walling
and panelling that may be applied on top of it.
- Old lime plaster is precious as it is sympathetic
to the breathability and any subtle movement in a building. It
should only be replaced if beyond repair.
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- Which repair technique is suitable for areas
of damaged plaster?
- Should any inappropriate additions to the original
be removed?
- Do you match to the existing, pick out decoration
or improve by picking out decoration on cornices that are so gummed
up with paint that they have lost all definition?
- Or do you leave as is?
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- As these are a key element and focal point of
a room, they need particular attention.
- Is the existing one suitable?
- Is a replacement needed and if so, should it
be an original antique or a reproduction?
- The period style should be appropriate and it
should be appropriate for the status of the house and room.
- Are accessories such as grates, hearths and fire-irons
needed?
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- How will daylight affect the atmosphere and the
fabric of the room?
- How does the client want to use the room and
what is the mood that the client would like to create?
- How will the room look at night?
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- What type of technology to use?
- Where is the best place to run plumbing, and
electrical lighting and wiring in a property where none was used
originally?
- How should radiators be positioned?
- Can underfloor heating be used?
- What level of lighting is required?
- How can a security system be added sympathetically?
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