RESTORATION WORK ON OUR GREAT BARN

Back in February 2017, Storm Doris caused havoc across the country, bringing high winds and flooding. Here at Wingfield Barns we suffered some damage to the external wall of our Great Barn, where a panel of render was blown off following rainwater penetration caused by faulty guttering. This damage was originally repaired in June of that year, although unfortunately not entirely. The gutter still overflowed above the faulty render panel and before long the plaster had blown once again. 

​In early 2020, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council commissioned Dan Burnstone of DB Building Conservation to repair the blown render externally, and also address some damaged panels inside the Great Barn. Making full use of the event-free period of time following lockdown, and after the gutter issues had been addressed, work began in September.
Any loose plaster and infill materials were removed from the damaged panels, exposing the structure beneath. These panels were probably worked on when the buildings were converted from their farm origins in the late 1990s. You can see from the picture here the relatively modern orange twine used to tie in the hazel spindles, also thought to be replacements at this time. The wattle and daub infill here was completely removed due to it becoming so wet and detached over time. 

​The material was then mixed with additional straw and lime, and reinstated in to the cavity. This was then left to dry out before finishing with a lime plaster. In the meantime, the panel to the right simply needed a new skim of plaster. 

​Whilst waiting for the exterior works to dry, Dan began work on the old wall inside the Great Barn. One panel here had become very loose, and was in danger of falling out… not helped by the lean on the wall creating a slight overhang! Additionally, the lower section of the wall on the other side of the door had become loose and cracked over time, and upon removal of the plaster it was clear that some patching works had been made over previous years. Here, the bottom section of the wall had been bricked up, and a strange mixture of clay and cement applied over the bricks. This surface was not ideal for plastering over, and is possibly why the damaged had occurred. 

​After removing as much cement as possible, and exposing the bottoms of two timbers that had been covered up, Dan applied a traditional plaster mix containing natural fibrous materials such as hemp and horse hair. This plaster was also used in the panel to the left of the door, reinforcing the previously precarious spindles and creating a tidy finish. 

​The weather in the coming week wasn’t exactly favourable to a clay mix drying out, but eventually the wattle and daub on the external render was dry enough for its plaster skim to be applied. I think we can all agree that the finish is brilliant, and absolutely fitting for a splendid building such as this. Meanwhile inside, the plaster is still drying out, and will be for some weeks yet. Once completely dry, the areas will receive a coat of lime wash to finish the works. 

We have been really impressed with Dan’s work. If you’d like to have a look at some more of his projects, or enquire about any work you might need doing, take a look at his website www.dbbconservation.co.uk.