Renovation

The building was renovated throughout. In planning the renovation, advice was sought from specialists in historic buildings, energy efficiency and eco-architecture. The renovation had several aims:

• To retain the historic character of the building
• To use reclaimed, recycled and natural materials, and to result in a building that is highly energy and resource efficient.
• To involve volunteers in the renovation, giving them the opportunity to develop construction skills.
• To result in an attractive, practical and accessible training workshop, meeting all relevant building regulations.

The conversion to a workshop took 18 months and involved contractors, LATCH staff and 30 volunteers. Volunteers were a key part of the project and had the opportunity to attend training, develop construction skills and gain experience.

To download a leaflet about the renovation, click here.

Exterior before and after

The existing roof was collapsing and causing structural damage. It was renewed, reusing the existing slates and ridge tiles where possible. Existing gutters and fall pipes were reused where possible, and reproduction items were used otherwise. To increase natural light on the first floor four roof lights were installed.

Structural repairs were carried out to external and internal walls. The building was repointed using lime mortar to match the original.

The ground floor was originally split level and was levelled to maximise the available space. Some of the original clay bricks were removed intact and used to make the hearth for the wood burning stove. A new concrete floor was laid.

The building is constructed from solid brick, with no existing plaster or insulation. Timber framing in the walls and roof was constructed and  200mm of Thermafleece installed on the inside of the walls, with Celenit mineralised wood wool boards. The internal walls of the stable area were originally lined with glazed ceramic bricks and these were left exposed along the internal wall and part of an outside wall as an original feature.

Clay plaster was used over half of the first floor and lime plaster was used on the other walls as it retains a degree of flexibility once set, necessary in an old building which is subject to some structural movement. Natural plant based paints were used to decorate throughout.

A new staircase was designed to contribute to the aesthetic of the building, with a central steel box section stringer, open treads constructed from local timber with contrasting reclaimed mahogany nosings, steel newel posts and balusters with glass infill panels.

The building had one existing tap but no sink, sanitation or internal drainage. The groom’s bothy was converted into a WC, a Belfast sink installed downstairs and a sink installed in the kitchen area upstairs.

A wood burning stove was chosen as the main heating source, this is located on the ground floor and heats the first floor through heat convection via the stairwell.

Reclaimed pitch pine floorboards were fitted to the first floor and all second fix joinery was manufactured from the same timber and oiled with plant based oil.

The training room on the first floor is available for occasional hire for groups of up to twelve people.

First Floor before and after