Projects revisited: Reviewing how work we have completed has stood the test of time
— 27 Feb 2019
Jonathan Rhind Architects returned to comprehensively inspect the work carried out at Bovey House 10 years on and found our work as specified was in excellent condition.
Review of the work carried out at Bovey House
Skirr and Clare cottages
The stabilisation and repair work Jonathan Rhind Architects carried out to the Bearland Chimney has enabled the continued enjoyment of this monument by visitors to Exmoor National Park. Weathered masonry and timber repairs at West Somerset Railway.
Jonathan Rhind Architects like to see how their past projects stand the test of time. Where possible we try to revisit old project sites and understand how our interventions have fared.
With our work to churches our services are usually part of an on-going inspection regime. Every five years churches are required by the DAC to be inspected to ensure they are kept in a good state of repair (Quinquennial Inspection) but on other projects we often have to go out of the way to obtain feedback in the years following the project to understand how our design and repair decisions have dated.
Where the project is publicly accessible, such as the West Somerset Mineral Railway, access is easy and we have been able to observe how the conservation work undertaken on the exposed masonry and metal remains have fared.
Private clients often come back years later for advice and this a great opportunity to understand how work carried out 10 or 20 years ago has stood the ravages of modern use and the climate. One such project is Skirr Cottage a charming thatched cottage near the North Devon coast; historically the home of Henry Williamson, author of Tarka the Otter, and now run as a holiday cottage. Jonathan Rhind Architects were employed to oversee the conversion of Skirr and the next door cottage, Clare into one large property which is well suited to family use, while retaining the historic charm and character of the original buildings. A small extension was also built in natural stone, slate and timber to match the adjoining buildings, and it was interesting to see how the fabric has lasted in the harsh climate, whilst weathering to match the existing properties as expected.
It is important to ensure that the work we carry out has been effective and long lasting and has met the needs of the client. Maintaining long lasting relationships with many of our clients enables us to follow up on a project to gain this important insight, which in turn helps to inform our work going forwards.
Have a look at our team page to read about the people who make our projects happen.
