Summer Scorcher

What a summer it’s been, the hot weather has proved challenging at times but it’s allowed us to get some really nice jobs finished, here are just a few.

The Old Town Hall in Whitby was built in 1788. This Grade II* listed building features 16 stone columns supporting the main building.

Part of a wider restoration project, managed by Simpsons of York, my brief was to render the damaged, weathered stone columns with a hot-mixed lime mortar and finish by applying a lime shelter coat for added protection.

I couldn’t be more proud of the finished article and it was even featured on BBC News.

It was a huge privilege to work on such an historic building.

This terrace cottage at Robin Hoods Bay was in need of two rooms lime plastering and the front elevation rendering in lime after the cement render was removed.

Dave, who works with me, plastered this stunning fireplace with hot-mixed lime, I love the soft curves and the fine details.

When removing the existing sand and cement render we uncovered these chunky stone lintels above the windows and door. With a bit of work, we were able to tidy them up enough to be able to leave them exposed.

I also found time to attend the Building Limes Forum symposium at York minster. It was a great event, where leading people in the field presented the latest research on hot-mixed lime mortars. Featured in the picture with me my good mate Joey, who was there on behalf of the National Trust.

In late spring we worked on this amazing straw bale house that I’ve worked on previously.

The lime wash that was originally applied (not by me) contained linseed oil which negates the lime’s porosity, preventing the movement of water. The old limewash was painstakingly scraped off and fresh coats of limewash, containing iron sulphate, applied. Since completion, the house has been listed for sale and even featured in the Sunday Times!

And what’s a blog post without an adorable puppy?! Meet Indigo, sat proudly in front of a fireplace completed this week.

Stay tuned for more updates, we are currently working away in a wine cellar and have a monumental rendering project coming up too.