Grade II Listed Living Room Restoration
We were initially contacted to investigate a small patch of damp in the corner of a living room within a Grade II listed property. At that stage, the expectation was a minor localised repair. However, once a small area of modern finishes was removed, it became clear that the moisture had been present for a considerable period of time and had caused wider deterioration to the original building fabric. The scope of work evolved naturally from a simple investigation into a full conservation-led restoration.
Background
The building dates to the 16th century and was originally constructed as a timber-framed dwelling. In the mid-19th century the exterior was refaced in brick, and later interventions included lowering the internal floor level to increase ceiling height. Over the years, additional modern finishes and incompatible materials had been introduced, many of which restricted the building’s natural ability to manage moisture.
Initial Investigation
Once the floor coverings and plaster were removed, several underlying issues became evident, including:
- Widespread decay to the suspended timber floor structure
- Complete blockage of the existing periscope ventilation system
- Moisture trapped beneath later non-breathable materials
- Signs of previous inappropriate repairs
Several joists had failed and required replacement with new treated timber installed in the original arrangement. The exterior ground sits above the internal floor height, and over time soil and debris had accumulated behind the brickwork, blocking the vents and preventing moisture regulation.
Around three tonnes of compacted material were removed from the subfloor void to reinstate ventilation and create space for the structure to function correctly.
Opening-Up Works and Findings
Further investigation revealed later brickwork infill within the bay window that had begun to break down. The defective material was removed and rebuilt using breathable lime-based systems. A limecrete slab was installed to allow moisture movement without trapping moisture beneath the floor.
A second limecrete slab was installed within the fireplace opening to prepare the area for reinstatement.
Conservation Approach
All new sleeper walls were constructed using a limecrete footing, allowing moisture to evaporate safely rather than collect. Concrete blocks were used only where structurally essential and were isolated from the new timbers using slate.
Every material and technique applied was chosen for:
- Vapour permeability
- Porosity
- Flexibility
- Compatibility with historic substrates
Ventilated panels were incorporated into the new window seat to support air movement above the limecrete slab and maintain a healthy moisture balance.
Repair and Restoration Works
As the building fabric was exposed, additional historic features and defects were uncovered. Key stages included:
- Reinstating the suspended floor with proper ventilation
- Repairing and replacing rotten timbers where necessary
- Exposing an original inglenook fireplace hidden behind later brickwork
- Removing inappropriate modern plaster to reveal the original timber framing
- Repairing a failed section of lath-and-plaster ceiling using traditional sawn laths
- Installing a two-coat non-hydraulic lime plaster system across the room
- Stitching a structural masonry crack using a Helifix system and resin
- Reusing original 16th-century quarry tiles to form the new hearth
- Installing a plaster vent to the former bread oven to maintain air movement
Outcome
What began as a small damp issue revealed a wider story of historic adaptation, trapped moisture and failing modern materials. Through careful investigation and sympathetic repair, the room has been returned to a breathable, porous and healthy condition. The original character of the space — including the inglenook fireplace — has been reinstated, and the building can now function as intended, ensuring the historic fabric is protected for future generations.