CALLING IN THE EXPERTS
A pilot project carried out in 2019 by Heritage Architecture to better identify the requirements of the restoration , from the building ’ s exterior timber cladding to the massive number of stained glass windows across all facades , identified the sheer scale of the task ahead .
The practice quickly identified they would need to bring in a specialist conservation contractor which understood the challenges of working on projects of this size .
DBR , one of the UK ’ s leading contractors , had over three decades of heritage conservation experience . Having completed many prestigious commissions on landmarks including the Palace of Westminster , Westminster Abbey , The Royal Albert Hall and The Royal Pavilion , Brighton , they were ideally suited to carry out the wide range of essential conservation work specified .
Commissioned in April 2019 , DBR carried out trial investigation works to the façade of Liberty to inform the external refurbishment scheme of the requirements to upgrade the building ’ s envelope . This included the careful erection of specially designed access scaffolding , with painted hoarding panels and wraps to protect the building from external elements during the work .
The thorough and meticulous early investigations also included window refurbishment trials to the lead lights and metal casements , alongside paint removal trials to the render panels , Tudor-style oak beams , the masonry and lower ground supporting structure .
Comprehensive analysis further led to DBR being commissioned at the end of 2019 to being brought on to carry out the subsequent multi-million pound façade and roof refurbishments , which included the overhauling of over 1,500 leaded light windows as well as the contractor design of the building ’ s roof lanterns .
THE FULL COMPLEMENT
Structural work commenced on-site in January 2020 , with a completion date set for December 2021 . DBR is well known for its in-house historic fabric conservation trades and was able to dedicate a team of stone cleaners , stone masons , bricklayers , plasterers , joiners , lead workers , conservators , and gilding and fine decorators to deliver an unrivalled , highly-accomplished conservation project .
The team was further supported by specialist subcontractors , including scaffolding , stained glass conservators , conservation metalworkers , glaziers and M & E engineers .
WORK GETS UNDERWAY
The initial paint-stripping of the façade ’ s rendered panels , teak timber panels and intricate carvings gave DBR ’ s team the first glimpse of the incredible adventure which awaited , particularly the aweinspiring salvaged timber panels so integral to the Liberty story .
Furthermore , the iconic Liberty Clock and hidden stone gargoyles kept things interesting for the team during the renovation , alongside the repair and gilding of the symbolic Mayflower weathervane .
The stonework repairs carried out by DBR ’ s skilled stonemasons demonstrated their care , precision and attention to detail .
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