Patricia Forero’s Post

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I offer the specialist expertise you need to understand and manage your historic building | Founder-Director @The Architect Studio Ltd | AABC Accredited and Assessor | Lecturer⠀⠀

Should you use modern materials in historic structures? 🤔 It depends... As an architect passionate about heritage conservation, I believe in the power of blending tradition and innovation. Introducing modern yet compatible materials in the repair of historic buildings cannot only enhance their structural integrity but also ensure their longevity. However, it does really depend on the heritage site to assess if it is feasible or not. A few years back, I was involved in repairing the ruined flint walls of the Keep of Walden Castle in Saffron Walden. The top of the walls and internal and external wall faces had eroded severely due to the constant saturation of rainwater 💧 through cracks and voids, plus vegetation 🌿 growth. One of the many repairs undertaken involved the installation of soft capping to protect the top of the walls. This approach led to reinstating one arch at the top of the west wall to provide a continuous surface for the soft capping. The arch was designed using reinforced concrete mixed with white cement and linked to the old flint walls using stainless steel pins, which proved pivotal in preserving and conserving the top of the flint walls. A collaborative approach with the structural engineer and Historic England was the key to the success of the second phase of that project. Recognising that each conservation project is unique and that there's no one-size-fits-all solution will help achieve a harmonious balance that withstands the test of time and preserves history for the future. Interested? Let's talk about your 'problematic building.' #heritagepreservation #modernmaterials #traditionalmaterials Ed Morton Trudi Hughes Adrian D. Ward MCIOB Nicola Wittman

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Adrian D. Ward MCIOB

Head of Church Works Division - Bakers of Danbury Heritage Ltd - Building Contractors

8mo

Yes indeed, brings back great memories of Bakers of Danbury Ltd working with Trudi, Patricia & TMP at Walden Castle, for Uttlesford District Council. The soft capping on top of these magnificent historic walls has worked very well to protect them from deterioration from the weather. All the best Adrian Ward, Church Division, Bakers of Danbury Ltd

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