Traditional (also known as “vernacular”) architecture in Britain is characterised by buildings that were constructed before 1919, using local materials (like stone, earth, brick, wood and lime) with solid walls rather than cavity walls, and designs that reflect regional traditions and skills.
In the Wiltshire towns, villages and countryside that surrounds us there are an abundance of traditional properties of various styles and periods. Look around and you’ll soon spot symmetrical, classical Georgian design; plenty of steep pitched brick-built Victorian edifices; baroque-inspired ornate Queen Anne facades; perhaps even some half-timbered Tudor buildings.
All these beautiful buildings are in danger of losing their identity – or perhaps being bulldozed altogether in favour of new developments – if they are not kept in good repair and condition by knowledgeable, experienced builders like us who appreciate their importance and understand how they were originally constructed.
We are committed to caring for our local architectural heritage using methods and techniques that are a mix of ancient and modern, ensuring the building stays true to its original style while being comfortable for modern living.
While Britain has millions of traditional old buildings, hundreds of thousands of them are extra special – what we term “listed buildings”. These are buildings and structures (in some cases monuments and even parks and gardens) that are considered of special architectural or historic interest, deserving of legal protection.
These buildings are included on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) and most of them are still in use, worked and lived in. They can be upgraded, repaired, altered, reconfigured or reworked in various ways within various criteria, as long as consent has been sought and granted from the local planning authority.
As leading building contractors in Wiltshire we have carried out a wide variety of work on numerous Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings over the years, trusted by our clients to give these precious buildings the care and attention they require to keep them viable in the modern world within the parameters of their protected status.
If you are fortunate enough to own an old building of any vintage in Wiltshire, or in the cities of Bristol and Bath – listed or not – our staff of qualified trades and crafts people will make a fine job of any improvements or repairs you require.
This commonly includes projects such as:
With our expertise we are able to guide you through the process of achieving what you envisage for your historic, traditional or listed property, so it is worth engaging with us from the outset.
Church property that was renovated into two affordable flats, library, office and two meeting rooms for public hire. Location Church House, Canon Square, Melksham.