Southover Old House Lewes | Mackellar Schwerdt Architects

Southover Old House Lewes

Work on the 18-month project to repair, restore and conserve this fire damage Listed house in Lewes continues.

Innovative ice-blasting techniques were used to gently clean the historic timbers. Working with local contractors Cheesmur and Richard Soan Roofing Services, the complex Welsh slate lead and clay tiled roofs have been restored, following major repairs to the structural timber frame which was badly decayed, damaged and potentially unstable. Close consultation with the Conservation Officer led to a detailed submission, noted as ‘exemplary’ by the local conservation society, a form of Listed Building Consent tailored to allow a rapid start on site. The rebuild has offered opportunities to improve the thermal standards of the building including insulation of the historic roof pitches, using a sandwich of sheep’s wool and specialists ‘intelligent’ membranes.