This project won us Commended in the Craftsmanship award and Highly Commended in the Repair and Restoration Award – Stone Federation Great Britain Natural Stone Awards – 2010

THE PROJECT

The original College was converted into the present building in the gothic style from 1808 to 1825 by architect James Wyatt.  After various uses, the Ashridge Management College was established in 1959.

This phase of work involved the restoration of the facade to the east elevation, returns and bases of the chimneys above the library annex.  Care was taken to preserve as much of the original fabric as possible. 

The stone facade is Clunch with Portland limestone dressings to the hood moulds, weatherings to buttresses and the carved paterae to the quatrefoil panels in the pierced parapet.  The decayed state of the stone face was such that each stone was removed, assessed and, where possible, cleaned or a new face cut prior to it being refixed.  Where the stone was beyond reuse it was replaced.

Hydraulic lime was used as the bedding material with 2mm joints as original.  The cavity behind the ashlar was filled with a 3-to-1 mix of sharp sand and hydraulic lime to consolidate it.  Every course was tied back using a stainless steel flat bar with a dog cramp across every vertical joint.

The external arches and jambs to the central door and four main windows were replaced half sole with a part replacement to the internal jamb to incorporate the new glass panels.  Approximately 90% of the buttresses were replaced.  Once the elevation was dried it was cleaned down to a smooth finish and a lime water thoroughly applied.