Biddulph Old  Hall had evolved over time from an open timber framed structure into a formidable building built of heavy stone in the Jacobean style.  During the English Civil War the Hall was besieged by the Roundheads, and Cromwell is said to have brought in his biggest gun: ‘Roaring Meg’ to play a part in subduing the internee’s.

The evidence can be seen in the ruinous facade where a cannon ball has hit home with a mighty thump (above).

Back to the 21st Century – it was found that the forces of erosion and gravity were a far greater threat to the surviving tower and Grosvenor were employed to carry out the following specialist services:

• Install temporary steel ring beams thus holding the tower together
• Pin the existing masonry together with cintec anchors
• Gravity grout voids with a lime based grout
• Rebuild all missing/defective masonry
• Point tower complete
• New code 8 lead roof
• New lead light windows

Recent removal of the scaffolding has revealed for the first time in a long time, the magnificence of the octagonal, domed tower of this Grade II* listed delight; with it’s freshly gilded weather vane glinting in the sunlight.

You can find out more about the project here

Grosvenor Construction has an Environmental Management System which monitors our impact upon the environment and enables the improvement of such an impact. Such a system when tied in with our conservation based approach adds a real dynamic to the protection and conservation of our environment.

Conserving and protecting a building doesn’t just enable its survival for cultural purposes, it also encapsulates the existing energy contained within a building. Grosvenor Construction has been involved with multiple projects which have ensured the survival of, and re-use of historic properties for the benefit of our communities and our environment. Demolition of such buildings would mean additional waste of existing materials and ultimately the necessity for construction of a new property and the resources that this would entail.

The key conservation principle of ‘minimum intervention’ ensures that minimum energy in terms of skills, materials and processes is expounded on a project leaving much of the existing building fabric to provide a use for future generations.

It is a common misconception that older buildings lack energy efficiency. Many traditional buildings outperform their modern counterparts when it comes to impact upon the environment. Thick walls, terraced construction, and smaller windows often contribute to the need for less energy. For those buildings that need upgrading – sound guidance and use of complementary solutions can bring them back to life with the minimum impact on the environment.

Many traditional practices (which have been honed and passed on over the centuries) are now being realised to have lasting benefits for the environment. The use of lime mortar, for example, absorbs CO2 when curing.

Additionally, our experience in preparing and expediting planned maintenance programmes often prevents damage to a building along with reducing the environmental impact of costly repairs.

Grosvenor Construction’s approach to such preservation always bears sustainability in mind and uses conservation techniques that eliminate or reduce our carbon footprint

Grosvenor Construction has an impassioned approach to the historic environment and its conservation. We are driven by a philosophy which is underpinned by a real respect for the sanctity of  Britain’s heritage. Many customers have spoken of our professional and enthusiastic outlook which has a palpable result in the quality of our workmanship.

Our success is the result of a holistic approach to building conservation. At all times the rationale of ‘minimum intervention’ and use of traditional skills, materials and methods, is driven by our research and understanding of the significance of a site.

Grosvenor Construction is fully conversant with British Standard 7913: 1998 – Guide to the Principles of the Conservation of Historic Buildings. Our extensive knowledge of Government Planning Policy Guidance enables an informed and enlightened approach to project management, which contributes to the overall success of a project. To this end, we are proficient in the initiation and production of Impact Assessments, Significance Statements and Conservation Plans. Such statements and plans are linked into our project plans and ultimately feed into the conservation process through our Quality Assurance system.

Of course, our professional approach is derived from a passionate connection with historic buildings and their curtilage. Grosvenor Construction has worked on every building type from every historic period. Projects have been successfully completed in consultation with Heritage Bodies (CADW, English Heritage and The National Trust) Heritage Groups, Conservation Officers, Conservation Architects, Historic Building Consultants and even Television Media.

Recent projects include:

• The conservation and consolidation of the Jacobean Hall at Biddulph,
• The complete restoration of the Victorian Gothic clock tower at Machynlleth,
• The complete restoration and conservation of the vernacular long house in Wales

Such associations would not be possible without the people that make up Grosvenor Construction. We pride ourselves in the quality and dedication of our personnel and have access to an exhaustive range of traditional skills rooted in ongoing development and training in techniques complimentary to the protection and conservation of our heritage.

Grosvenor Construction is proud in the knowledge that our deep-seated, informed and collaborative approach to each project has helped contribute to the preservation, protection and enjoyment of Britain’s heritage.

Grosvenor Construction believes that the most important factor in any business is its people. Along with this comes a recognition that there are many hundred’s of years experience in traditional building skills retained within the Company as a whole.

Our services and knowledge attest to the general principles of building conservation and include:

non-destructive investigation and assessment,

• understanding of damp in historic buildings,
• timber decay and its conservation,
• the principles of stone cleaning.
• Assistance with Quinquennial Inspections

The following skills complement this approach:

• Use of traditional lime mortars,
• wood and stone carving,
• material, cleaning, consolidation and sympathetic replacement,
• traditional plastering techniques,
• traditional roofing techniques
• use of hydroscopic building materials

We don’t, however ‘rest upon our laurels’. Grosvenor Construction recognises that such valuable skills need to be nurtured and passed on. This is exemplified by our commitment to encouraging a framework for continuous development of our staff through a systematic appraisal and training programme, which includes the recently pioneered CSCS Heritage Skills Card.

Our programme not only ensures the development of our staff, but also the reduction of logistical nightmares through lack of resources, thus ensuring that we have a professional team covering the full spectrum of conservation based skills and services at all times.

Being a company that ‘conserves the past’ does not mean that we are ‘behind the door’ when it comes to innovation and technology.

To this end Grosvenor have commissioned a video to give a brief insight to the wonderful world of conservation that we inhabit. Enjoy…..

Grosvenor Construction from Andy Marshall on Vimeo.