Issue 45 Feb 25 web - Flipbook - Page 122
external envelope). This allowed us to remove the
damaged plaster completely on the external walls and
then insulate internally, while not affecting the character
of the property. The missing parts of the plaster are
completed with new lime plaster, distinguishable but
complementary to the old.
Second step: extending the living space at the ground
floor and introducing client’s personality
The ground floor was extended to incorporate a kitchen,
dining, living and reception room. In such an elongated
plan, the main challenge was enhancing the connection
with the garden and maximising natural light. We did not
use the side return to fully extend, but rather to invite the
garden towards the middle of the house.
This approach shows an example where practical solutions
can be found if we act like a surgeon, only removing the
unnecessary parts and making good where needed. It can be
used as an example of resolving the property’s thermal issues
while preserving the character internally.
The interior materials combine oak (stained to match the
Sri Lankan wood colour), concrete and plaster to relate
to the homeowners’ Sri Lankan background.
Third step: bringing back the spirit of the old house
Being in a bad condition, the old house did not have
many of the old features left, all details were gone except
for a few key elements - the stair, the floorboards, the
plaster walls revealing different layers of plaster and paint
after removing the existing wallpaper and the parts
affected by damp. We decided to use conservation
principles to preserve those key features ‘as found’. To
enhance their beauty, any new additions are complementary but distinguishable from the old.
Fourth step: transforming the upper floors
The upper floors floorboards were temporarily removed,
joists levelled, plywood added and then floorboards
relayed on top, sanded and stained into a colour matching
the Sri Lankan aesthetics.
The many layers of stair paint were removed and the
balustrade was restored, showing traces of time.
The master bedroom becomes 5m tall at its highest point
by openining the space into the attic.
The plaster conservation by Lime Green was the most
challenging element of the repair process. 80% of it being
affected by damp, we could only keep it in a few parts
(particularly on the party walls and internal structural
walls which were not exposed to the dampness of the
Fifth step: a timeless rear facade
The old rear facade had an odd second floor window,
which was a later addition that negatively impacted the
original building. To maximise river view and also respect
the existing context, we replaced it oversized sash
The new second floor balustrade is again, not a replica of
the old, but rather a complementary intervention
connecting to the old balustrade post which was the only
part we could preserve as found.
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
120
