Product category:
Facility Management and Building Services
News Release from: Ian Williams | Subject: Restorative work
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 02 November 2006
Ian Williams restoration work in London
Ian Williams were ideally placed to source expert, specialised stone masons who undertook restorative work to both the interior and exterior of St John's Church, London.
The old and unusual present interesting challenges to Ian Williams Restoration and renovation of listed buildings and buildings of historical interest is one of the most challenging and yet rewarding areas, to all involved in the building and refurbishment sector
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 17 Feb 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Ian Williams Dockland Light Railway contract
Ian Williams Group, one of the UK's leading property services companies, has passed 100% every audit set by Serco Docklands, operators of the Docklands Light Railway.
Bristol City College new look from Ian Williams
Ian Williams Group has recently completed a £4 million refurbishment project at Bristol City College.
Over the years Ian Williams has come across both the unusual and unique, stretching its team and craftsmen's capabilities not only in terms of problem solving, but in the call for creative thinking and dedication to complex tasks.
All historical projects have one common theme running throughout - respect for the heritage and history of the building.
Ian Williams has extensive knowledge of the complexities of refurbishment, and understands the value of liaising with conservation associations like English Heritage, architects and council planning departments to achieve complete satisfaction for even the most difficult of projects.
Further reading
A lesson in safe play from Ian Williams
Ian Williams is at the forefront of providing services to the built environment with particular expertise in the education, commercial, and social housing sectors.
Fire damage repaired by Ian Williams Group
School governors and staff were pleased with the project at Kingshill School where Ian Williams Group repaired damage suffered after an arson attack.
Ian Williams first time Rushcliffe Homes contract
Rushcliffe Homes has awarded a two year partnering development contract for Response Maintenance to Ian Williams Limited.
Mike Turner, Ian Williams Development Director, comments: "An enormous amount of pre planning is required with listed and historical buildings".
"You need a real understanding of your client's objectives as well as being aware what restrictions and limitations are in place".
"Often this not only applies to the use of specialist materials, but also specialist techniques specific to the environment and context in which they are being used".
The United Reform Church, Fareham, a Grade 2 listed Gothic style church was one case.
Situated in the centre of a busy main shopping precinct in Fareham, the building had remained derelict for ten years.
Ian Williams faced the challenges of not only making it structurally sound, but the location dictated a need for careful handling.
An active shopping precinct is not the ideal spot to bring in large vehicles to erect scaffolding near a rare example of Gothic architecture, including leaded windows and ancient rafters.
Throughout the operation, maintaining a safe working area both for the people and the fragile building was paramount.
This challenge was met through the knowledge of the craftsmen on site and extra vigilance employed by all involved.
Ian Williams were ideally placed to source expert, specialised stone masons who undertook restorative work to both the interior and exterior of the church.
St John's Church, London, presented Ian Williams with the task of both tight deadlines and working in an active practising church.
The repair and refurbishment project of a very large church in just 18 weeks is not to be taken lightly.
Ian Williams worked closely with the Architect on areas of the church's redesign, ever conscious of the knowledge that the specification and the standard of finish was of the utmost importance.
Peter Babb, Unit Manager of Ian Williams Mitcham office explains how they went about it: "We had a team of 18 people working full time on the church".
"Special buildings require special solutions".
"The real test for us came when dealing with all the restrictions that are placed on a building that is 150 years old".
"We worked closely with the Heritage Society and the architect".
"We specialise in targeted partnerships and consistently use products and techniques that are in-keeping with the building, such as the use of old-fashioned water and oil-bound distemper paints, to restore the paintwork to its former glory." It's not just churches that have added to Ian William's extensive refurbishment knowledge: Italianate Conservatory This unusual Italianate Conservatory in Kent was originally used to house tropical and sub-tropical plants.
The building fell into disrepair in the 1960's and might have been destroyed had the Ramsgate Society not stepped in with a conservation plea.
Thanet District Council decided to fund the restoration of the superb l8th century structure, one of only a few remaining in the country, and turned to Ian Williams to complete the delicate task.
The majority of the project involved replacing the over-lapping scalloped panes then refurbishing the wrought ironwork frame and entrance porch.
Mike Turner comments: "In common with all these projects is the craftsmanship which requires meticulous care in order to restore the building to its former self, but also to ensure that the renovations do not cause further damage and are long-lasting" he continues: "Historical buildings are not only very challenging to work with but also very rewarding".
"It is imperative that we do not lose the great architecture of our past".
"We are fortunate that Ian Williams has the skills, craftsmanship and want to renovate these classic buildings from our past.".
• Ian Williams: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
