Projects: Rudge Hall, Somerset

Rudge Hall, a threshing barn near Frome, was converted in to a dwelling during the 1980s. Threshing barns had large doors front and back: when open the wind would drive through, blowing the chaff from the grain. The hall being on top of a hill meant that it is a great location for a threshing barn, but that as a house it gets everything the weather throws at it and consequently this vast room was too cold and damp for everyday use. The inside of the West gable was very damp with mould watermarks working their way round the chimney breast. The only insulation was 100mm of fibreglass in the roof.

Lime Repair was consulted by the owners with the aim of getting the building dry and warm so it could be used as a sitting room and occasional space for chamber music concerts.

Outside, the cement was removed from the stone and brickwork and repointed with lime mortars. The west-facing gable was raked out and rendered with lime with a roughcast finish and limewash.

Inside, the cement plaster was removed and a cork/lime plaster used, which has insulating properties. The timber boarded floor was removed and a limecrete floor with under floor heating installed. The tops of all three gables were studded out and sheeps wool insulation fitted. At the east end, the gallery was remodelled and a new staircase fitted.

Before & After

Works in Progress