TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP IN HERITAGE AND PREMIUM RENOVATIONS
Britain’ s historic properties are rich in architectural and cultural value. Modernising them demands approaches that protect the past while meeting present day standards of performance and comfort.
Image Credit: SB Joinery
Drawing on their shared experience in super-prime and listed buildings, main contractor ACT’ s Design Management Team, in collaboration with SB Joinery, explore the role of traditional British craftsmanship in the twenty first century.
Material Selection That Respects the Past
Careful material selection is at the heart of heritage construction. Lime-hair plaster, for example, achieves superior breathability and resilience, supporting the long-term health and visual appearance of period buildings. Likewise, conservation grade glass is essential for sash windows in listed properties. The outer panes can be paired with an internal layer of modern float glass within a slimline double-glazed unit, preserving historic character while still achieving today’ s acoustic and thermal standards. For major restoration projects, materials such as oak can be selected from specific trees and tracked through fabrication to installation, offering full traceability.
Uniting Traditional Techniques With Modern Methods
Craftsmanship continues to adapt to new approaches, marrying timeless charm with rigorous compliance expectations. One such example is the creation of bespoke fire-rated doors, whereby a fire-resistant core is concealed within a classically built, hand-assembled exterior that replicates every detail of the original design.
Technology supports accurate and efficient restoration, with tools such as 3D laser scanning enabling
12- REFURB & RESTORE