Beard is known for its sensitive approach to restoring and converting historic and Grade II listed buildings
Old and fragile structures demand special care, so whether we are converting a time-worn barn or restoring the fabric of a hallowed Oxford college building, we take an extremely detailed approach to the work involved.
Our project planning begins with a review of all previous construction work on the site, so that we can identify any potential structural problems before the restoration work begins and plan measures that will minimise their impact.
We also plan how to repair and recycle as much of the building’s original fabric as possible.
Traditional building trade skills and craftsmanship are essential when restoring buildings that are part of our national heritage. Beard is especially suited to this type of work because we employ our own workforce of highly skilled trades people. Our site managers also have hands-on experience of traditional construction crafts and techniques.
Beard brings in expert advice and practical support whenever needed, drawing upon the strong links we have developed with consultants, subcontractors and craftspeople who specialise in building restoration.
Many customers and construction partners come back to Beard over and over again because of our ability to plan, organise and manage restoration projects successfully.
At Crowmarsh Battle Farm, for example, Beard restored a traditional oak-framed barn, a stable block and a 200-year-old timber granary barn, and converted them into office accommodation.
Spratley & Woodfield’s design for the latest project, ‘The Granary’, won both a national RIBA Award and a RIBA Conservation Award in the Royal Institute of British Architects’ 2005 RIBA Awards for design excellence and best practice. The two awards recognise The Granary’s high architectural standards and the substantial contribution it makes to its local environment.
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