|
|
|
Wood Awards
Conservation & Restoration Winner 2007 Abbey Barn, Abbotsbury, Dorset Working with Philip Hughes Associates J.Layzell and Sons were pleased to win this prestigious award.The scale of the 15th Century barn (272 ft) and the extent of the decay mean that this was a contract of enormous significance. Abbotsbury Abbey Barn is a Grade 1scheduled ancient monument owned by the Ilchester Estate. So repair work needed to be done sympathetically with minimum intervention using timber, mainly English Oak, sourced from the Ilchester Estate where possible. English Elm was obtained from outside suppliers. All new timber was finished and fitted to complement the original timber. Repairs were made to bearing timbers and short struts in oak, owing to its decay resistant qualities, as the original elm was severely damaged. All new joints were made to blend in seamlessly and provide structure with maximum support. At all times, great sensitivity in the handling of the existing fabric was paramount . To minimise damage to the historic fabric, a special support was designed to hold the timber while the ends were repaired and additional softwood timbers were run along the thatching purlins, so that the new thatch would not be fixed to the historic timber. The decayed medieval porch roof was also cleverly repaired using shaped oak , cut to fit the decayed section.  | |
|
|