Current Issue
Asbestos - An unholy problem?
Hailed as the wonder building material when first used in the 1890’s and reaching its peak use in buildings around the mid 1970’s it’s not unreasonable to find asbestos used extensively in schools and churches. Asbestos containing materials take on many forms and have many uses in construction from simple floor tiles to board materials, anti-condensation products and of course thermal insulation.
Ventrolla step in to save Cheshire church windows
Ventrolla Lancashire has successfully completed a renovation project at St Vincent de Paul's church in Altrincham, Cheshire.
Two casement bay windows and 32 sash windows were restored at the presbytery, home to the church's three priests and the main location for the running of the parish.
The bay windows of the Cheshire church building were suffering from wet rot and Ventrolla used its expertise to repair the wood ensuring the original aesthetics of the windows were not lost.
Read more: Ventrolla step in to save Cheshire church windows
Trends in Lighting for Period Houses - by Christopher Hyde the classical lighting expert
The vogue for decorating houses in the style and furnishings of a previous era was not always thought important by our ancestors.
Until the advent of mass production lighting in the Victorian period, most homes were still lit with
rush lamps. Decorative candle lights, such as chandeliers and wall sconces, were only to be found in the homes of the aristocracy and rich merchant classes. As these items were very expensive they were handed down from one generation to the next: even when the architecture of the house was altered in line with current fashion. When electricity was widely introduced into homes in the 1920’s, many of the existing fittings were simply adapted.
Left: the Ghent chandelier based on the original Dutch and Flemish style of chandelier in the 17th century.
Hence, a Regency house could have a Baroque chandelier and Chinoiserie table lamps, and a Victorian villa could boast French Empire styled chandeliers complete with military motifs or Egyptian sphinxes. I advocate a similar approach today, and recommend lighting is chosen as much to suit the furniture and soft furnishings, as the age of the property.
Read more: Trends in Lighting for Period Houses - by Christopher Hyde the classical lighting expert
Govt to increase VAT on alterations to listed buildings
On 21 March, the Government announced in its 2012 Budget that it intends to remove the zero rate of VAT for approved alterations to listed buildings. This means that from 1 October 2012 the standard rate of VAT will apply to the alteration of a listed building.
The Government has published draft legislation designed to introduce this change to the current VAT system and is seeking views from interested parties. The consultation is open until Friday 4 May and the details of how to respond are available online here.
As members of the Cut the VAT Coalition The Tile Association believe that VAT on all home repair, maintenance and improvement work should be reduced from 20% to 5%. This targeted VAT cut would bring with it a huge number of economic, social and environmental benefits.
Read more: Govt to increase VAT on alterations to listed buildings
Heating that's in keeping from Electrical Heating Solutions
Electric Heating Solutions of Bournemouth has recently completed one of the largest church heating and lighting installations since it was established over five-years ago,
The family-run business began trading in 2006 and has enjoyed an increase in business over the years, which reflects an impressive average of 250% improvement in turnover annually!
Electric Heating Solutions specialises in electric heating solutions for churches and chapels, and has created a series of ‘chandelier’ style infrared heaters that are integrated with a wonderful and ambient lighting system as well.
Read more: Heating that's in keeping from Electrical Heating Solutions
Purcell Miller Tritton completes work on new Lewis Carroll Centre in Daresbury
Purcell Miller Tritton has recently completed work on a new Lewis Carroll Centre for Daresbury Church, which opens on 25th March 2012, following a competition win by the practice to develop a new design for the centre, subsequent to an initial scheme for the site.
In keeping with the main church’s Lewis Carroll memorial windows and other nearby interventions, including the monument of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in nearby Warrington, the centre is themed on Carroll’s connection with Daresbury, where he was born in 1832.
Read more: Purcell Miller Tritton completes work on new Lewis Carroll Centre in Daresbury
New gargoyle for the Chapter House
Matt Barton, one of Salisbury Cathedral’s skilled stonemasons, has been given the rare opportunity to carve a new gargoyle for the Chapter House, replacing one which is badly weather damaged and no longer fit for service.
Matt said “It’s a great honour to have been asked to carve the new gargoyle, not many people get to do this. It’s a really interesting project, and I’m looking forward to going through the process and seeing the new gargoyle emerge from the stone.”
The original gargoyle has now been removed from the Chapter House and, in the first instance, will be mended so it can be used for reference. The new gargoyle will be modelled on it but with an improved design so it can better fulfil its purpose and achieve maximum long term survival.
Purcell Miller Tritton completes work on Wallace Collection Phase IV: The East Wing Galleries
Working with John O’Connell Architects of Dublin, Purcell Miller Tritton has recently completed work on the Phase IV representation of The Wallace Collection’s East Wing Galleries, which re-opened to the public on 20th March 2012, creating a stunning backdrop for works by the Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt.
The extensive reconstruction project, which began in October 2010, has allowed the Wallace Collection to reinstate the original height of the Galleries, taking inspiration from their appearance in Sir Richard Wallace’s day and to introduce daylight from above to illuminate the space.
Gradus Provides Wetherby Methodist Church with a Divine Flooring Solution
Gradus has supplied Genus carpet and Boulevard 6000 secondary barrier matting to Wetherby Methodist Church, as part of a refurbishment project.
Wetherby Methodist Church is located in the centre of Wetherby town and is used by the local community for church services, activities and functions. In June 2011, the church completed a major refurbishment to its entrance area, main congregation area and staircases.
Gradus’ Genus carpet and Boulevard 6000 secondary barrier matting were installed in the newly refurbished church, helping to create a fresh and contemporary environment for visitors.
Read more: Gradus Provides Wetherby Methodist Church with a Divine Flooring Solution
New international conference considers value of cultural heritage
Does cultural heritage really matter? Can it help improve towns and cities, and does it have a social impact on its citizens? What counts as cultural heritage tomorrow, and how will new technologies play a role in the visitor experience? A new international conference examining these key issues will be held in Norwich, UK in November 2012, bringing hundreds of international delegates from the cultural heritage sector to the historic city.
The conference, Culture Matters 2012, is being organised by the Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) and will take place over 14 – 16 November at venues across the historic city, including the iconic Norwich 12 buildings.
Read more: New international conference considers value of cultural heritage
Top Ten College Demands the Best in Architectural Metalwork
Holy Cross Sixth Form College, Bury, rated among the best in the country, demands the best even when it comes to its restoration work. Ken Brogden Ltd and its owner Jason Steinbach were called back in to carry out restoration fabrication work including the following:
New Balustrade to Sunken Garden.
The retaining wall to the sunken garden was beyond repair and the college had instructed a building firm to rebuild it.
Read more: Top Ten College Demands the Best in Architectural Metalwork
New 2012 Tree Preservation Order regulations
They come into force on 06 April 2012 - are you prepared? A short course to bring you up to date is available.
Following an extensive consultation exercise the Government has finally produced new Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Regulations. The Regulations were;
Made on 28 February 2012;
Laid before Parliament on 05 March 2012; and
Come into Force on 06 April 2012.
The new regulations apply to England only and aim to simplify the TPO system and they apply to all TPOs made since 1947. There are significant changes and the implications of these are serious for Local Planning Authorities.
This short course, 2 hours including a Q&A session is available online for just £95 + VAT from BASE UK. It is an interactive tutorial session delivered over the web. The tutor is Dr Dealga O’Callaghan FICFor., F.Arbor.A. who has extensive experience in this area of tree law.
Florence Institute reaches new heights
Liverpool’s Florence Institute looks is set to draw a crowd of dignitaries at its official ‘Topping Out’ Ceremony on Wednesday 23rd November at 11.00am.
The event highlights the culmination of ten years of work by Purcell Miller Tritton to restore the ‘Florrie’ to multi-functional community use, providing valuable recreational facilities for the city and reinstating the Institute’s external structure, which survived the Second World War but was badly damaged by arson some years ago and has since remained unoccupied.
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