Completed Projects
Here are some of the conservation projects that we have been pleased to be involved in over the years:
Churches:
St Mary’s Church, Ludgershall
We have a longstanding relationship in assisting with repair works to this Grade I listed church on English Heritage’s At Risk Register. In 2012 we oversaw repairs to the damaged medieval roof timbers and the roof was recovered with Welsh slate to ensure that it remained sound, watertight and easy to maintain without impacting on the appearance and character of the church – click here for photos. In 2014 we oversaw further building works to recover the tower roof, repair the wall heads and provide improved rainwater disposal goods. In 2022 we oversaw internal improvement works including the creation of a kitchen and WC.
Small extension for St James Church, Bix
We have assisted the PCC with a single storey extension to provide much needed kitchen and Equality Act 2010 compliant toilet facilities to enhance the church for both the existing congregation as well as the local community and visitors. Click here for photos
All Saints Church, Binfield
Following on from a condition survey inspection in 2016 to identify building defects at All Saints Church in Binfield, Berkshire, we completed the first phase of repair works to the roof, masonry, rainwater goods and windows in January 2018. The second phase of roof repair works was completed in October 2019. Click here for photos taken during the works.
Church of St Peter and St Paul, Checkendon
Oxley Conservation carried out the contract administration of two phases of work, grant aided by English Heritage, to carry out roof repairs to the nave, chancel and apse as well as repairs to the internal plaster, wall paintings, rainwater goods and parapet walls.
Agricultural Buildings:
Grade II listed barn in Oxfordshire
In 2022 we managed the structural repairs and realignment of the roof and timber frame including recladding works to a Grade II listed barn in Oxfordshire. We obtained listed building consent and organised measured survey drawings and bat surveys prior to the works. Click here for photos.
Grade I Barn in Oxfordshire
After an initial building survey assessment, we provided consultancy services in connection with the repair of the medieval timber frame, re-cladding of the roof and walls, internal adjustments to enhance use as a light-industrial workshop and improvement to the insulation of the barn for thermal performance in order to create a more comfortable working space.
Woolley Firs
Contract administration of Heritage Lottery funded works to convert and repair the Grade II Listed stable and cartshed from a redundant 18th century farm building to form an environmental and educational building for the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.
Please click here to read more about the Central LABC Awards for this project. Click here for photos.
Valley Farm, Bix
Oxley Conservation produced the management plan in connection with the Natural England Higher Level Stewardship application, commissioned a wildlife survey and measured survey drawings for listed building consent and carried out the contract administration of the works to repair and renovate the threshing barn.
Bayloll’s Manor, Harwell
Oxley Conservation surveyed the barn, specified the repairs, obtained the listed building consent application and road closure orders. We administered the repairs to this Grade II* listed cruck framed barn to address severe deterioration of the structural timber frame and to prevent the barn collapsing into the public highway. The project involved the complete stripping and recladding of the clay tiles and timber weatherboarding, which enabled the structural realignment and conservation of the early 14th century timber frame to be implemented.
Greys Court Shop
Oxley Conservation were involved in the creative re-use of the former woodshed into a Visitor Shop utilising natural materials from local and sustainable sources.
Larger Projects:
Quarr Abbey
From 2011 to 2014 Richard Oxley acted as the Historic Buildings Consultant for the works undertaken to the medieval ruins and the Abbey Church, including the refurbishment of the stables into a Visitor Information Centre, ensuring that all works carried out respect the architectural significance of the site. Click here for photos. The ruins stabilisation project was awarded a Highly Commended by RIBA. From 2021 to 2022 we oversaw the repair and conservation works to the North and South Sanctuary Chapels and South Choir windows to the Church. These works were funded by Historic England’s Grants for Programmes of Major Works Round 2.
Click here for photos during the works.
Brill Windmill
From 2007-2009 we carried out an the initial condition survey, reviewed the use and access of the mill, consulted on the production of a repair and conservation strategy, produced a specification and schedule of repairs, submitted approval for listed building consent, prepared tender documents and implemented a comprehensive programme of specialist repairs to the weatherboarding, roundhouse roof, braking mechanism and the timber and steel frames. In early 2023 we were pleased to be asked to inspect the mill again in order to produce a quinquennial inspection report.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Reading
We have carried out the contract administration of extensive stone repairs to the spire and tower of this highly decorative Grade II listed church. The works, which were funded by English Heritage, were carried out in two phases and included the refurbishment of the weathervane, restoration of the gargoyles, repointing stonework and application of a sheltercoat. Click here for before and after photos.
Twenty four swift boxes were provided by Swift Conservation and installed into the belfry behind the round holes in the three sides of the spire which are accessible to swifts. The holes in the spire without nest boxes were blocked with steel mesh to prevent swifts from getting trapped inside the tower and to stop feral pigeons getting in.
In 2018 we worked with project managers, Cragg Management Services Ltd, in connection with the third phase of repair works. An application was successfully made to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant to help fund the repair works.
Fulham Gasworks Redevelopment
In 2019 we were appointed as Heritage Consultant for the Fulham Gasworks redevelopment project and developed a mothballing strategy to protect the listed buildings and structures before development works took place. We also recorded the listed gasholder and assisted the Design Team with the development proposals for the 1856 Engineers Office, 1927 Laboratory Building and War Memorials.
The Mansion House, Greys Court, Henley on Thames
An extensive programme of conservation repairs was carried out over two phases to this Grade I listed Mansion House for the National Trust. Works included the removal of asbestos, repair of timber floors providing improved fire protection, plaster repairs and internal decorations.
Smaller Projects:
Grade II property repair in Hampshire
We have recently overseen the successful repair and refurbishment of a Grade II listed property with medieval origins in Hampshire. Our consultancy services included an initial condition survey, production of a specification and schedule of works which was issued for tender to suitably qualified builders. Once the completed tenders were received, we produced a tender summary report and the client instructed their preferred builder. We also submitted a listed building consent application and organised bat surveys. Once the repair works began, we carried out the contract administration and inspected the works regularly, evaluating the contractor’s valuations and issuing certificates of payment.
Repairs to Grade II* Chapel Ruins in Hampshire
In 2023 we assisted with the urgent repairs and consolidation works to the fabric of the ruins of two grade II* chapels and a grade II listed arch with lodges in Hampshire. Our role included producing the specification and schedule of repairs and carrying out the contract administration of the works.
Historic Building in Buckinghamshire
We oversaw the first of two stages of repair works at a privately owned house in Buckinghamshire. The works included replacing windows, repairing and insulating the roof and the replacement of inappropriate renders.
Shiplake College
We have overseen structural works and repairs to the South terrace, retaining wall, balustrade, paved area and steps. Click here for photos. We have also been involved with urgent brick and flint repairs to one of the boarding houses.
Market House, Princes Risborough
After an initial survey in 2013 to report on defects to the Grade II* listed building for Princes Risborough Town Council, we were involved in overseeing repairs to the structural timbers, roof and windows as well as carrying out internal upgrading and redecorations. Click here for photos.
Longwater Cottages, Eversley
We project managed the replacement of the rear extension to the property with a more appropriate, larger and more comfortable structure including the installation of new gas fired central heating, under-floor heating and complete redecoration with a new kitchen and bathroom. Click here for photos taken during the works.
Church Cottages, Hurst
Project management of the refurbishment of Grade II listed cottages including complete renewal of electrics and plumbing, replacement of windows, installation of gas fired central heating, installation of cavity wall and loft insulation, new kitchen and bathrooms and redecoration works.
The Lychgate, All Saints, Wokingham
Oxley Conservation administered the contract for works to repair the falling puddingstone and flintwork in order to make the Lychgate safe to use.
Bix Ruins
Oxley Conservation oversaw the repair and consolidation works to the ruins of this medieval church at Bix. The works were grant aided by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Click here for photos.
Walnut Tree Barn, Ipsden
Oxley Conservation oversaw improvements to the rainwater goods to this large barn which has been converted to residential use. The introduction of cast iron gutters and hopper heads will assist maintenance and reduce the risk of blockage and overflow. Two new oak braces and steel plates were also inserted to strengthen a timber wall plate.
The White Tower, Greys Court
We have overseen urgent repairs to the fabric of the tower, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument owned by the National Trust. The works included the rebuilding of the merlons to the tower and the repair and consolidation of the wall heads and wall faces and adjoining walls. Click here for photos taken during the works. Greys Court is a Tudor country house and gardens in the southern Chiltern Hills at Rotherfield Greys, near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Timber Framed Buildings:
Grade II Building in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
The Buckinghamshire Historic Buildings Trust instructed us to provide consultancy services in connection with the refurbishment of a Grade II timber-framed building in High Wycombe. The building was a former inn and is believed to be the oldest surviving building in the town apart from the Church. The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) have awarded the Trust a grant to refurbish the building and bring it back into active use. This grant is one of the first awarded through the new Transforming Places through Heritage programme. Click here for photos
High Street, Twyford
After an initial inspection to assess the condition of this timber framed building within the Twyford Conservation Area, it was found to have active death watch beetle infestation. We were appointed as Historic Buildings Consultants to oversee a comprehensive programme of repair of this property which was converted into flats 15 years ago. Click here for photos taken during the repair works.
The Chantry House, Henley on Thames
This Grade I listed timber-framed building was suffering from severe decay to its frame. It was completely rejuvenated with a Heritage Lottery Fund award. The works were carried out in an appropriate and sympathetic manner that preserved the architectural and historical interest of this very special building. Click here for photos.
173 High Street, Berkhamsted
A rare discovery of a 13th century timber framed building behind a Victorian façade. Quickly listed Grade II* it presented particularly challenging repair issues. The project adhered to strict conservation and environmental principles in order to return the building back to top quality retail and residential space. Click here for photos.
Condition Reports and Quinquennial Inspection Reports:
Garendon Park, Loughborough
Oxley Conservation has produced condition surveys on all the remaining Listed Structures that formed part of the Arcadian landscape including the prioritisation of recommended repairs with budget cost estimates.
Nuffield Place
Provision of a Quinquennial Report for the National Trust of the main building and five outbuildings with an assessment each building’s condition in order to identify the present and future maintenance needs.
Holy Trinity Church, Cookham
Oxley Conservation produced a quinquennial report for the church including the use of a remotely piloted aircraft (drone) which provided aerial photography that allowed an additional report on the condition of the high level areas to be made. These areas would not otherwise be safe or economical to access.
Roofing Works:
St Leonard’s Church, Grendon Underwood
After successfully being awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the PCC instructed us to provide consultancy services in connection with the recovering of the 15th century roof in Welsh slate. Click here for photos taken during the works.
Reading Synagogue
Following on from a condition survey in 2014, we provided consultancy services in connection with roof repair works at Reading Synagogue. We secured listed building consent for the works, drew up a specification and schedule of works which was issued to suitably qualified contractors for tender. We then carried out the contract administration of the works. Click here for photos.
Grade II* Property in Buckinghamshire
After producing a specification and schedule of works for the repairs needed to the roof and external elevations of this Grade II* property in Buckinghamshire, tenders were invited from experienced contractors. We then administered the contract for the repair works. Click for photos taken during the works.
All Saints Church, Wokingham
We carried out the contract administration for the chancel roof works at this Grade II* listed church, including the repair and replacement of the valley gutters, overhauling the rainwater goods, repairs to the stone copings, windows and internal plasterwork. Click for photos.
St Michael and All Angels Church, Sunninghill
We carried out the contract administration for the repair & replacement of valley gutters to the roof, repairs to masonry & drainage works at this Grade II listed church recognised as being of national importance. Click for photos taken during the works. Click to read the article on the completion of the roofing works in the Church Magazine. We also carried out a quinquennial inspection report in 2016.
Former Town Hall, High Wycombe
After carrying out an inspection of the stone slate roof in 2014, we then acted as Project Manager for the re-roofing works including the cupola and ball finials. Click here for photos.
Grade II Property in Berkshire
We advised on and oversaw the roofing works for a historic residential building on the National Heritage List for England. The work involved the stripping and recovering of the roof, the repair of the timber frame roof, remedial repairs to the chimneys and installation of wood fibre insulation to improve the thermal efficiency of the property. Click here for photos.
Retrofit:
Early 20th Century House in Hampshire
We have overseen an eco-retrofit project at a privately owned house in Hampshire. Works included an initial air pressure test, condition survey, production of a specification and schedule of works for a complete internal refurbishment and roof repair works including the installation of solar panels. Click here for photos.
18 The Green South, Warborough
We have assisted in several phases of repair to this Grade II listed home, including structural repairs of the timber frame and plinth, external and internal wall insulation, lime rendering and clay plastering. We helped the owners with design, obtaining consents, choosing contractors and by administering building contracts.
The Gatehouse, Chesham
We designed and managed the renovation of this prominent timber-framed building at the entrance to the high street of the market town, including extensive structural repairs, wall, floor and roof insulation and draught reduction, all in sustainable materials. Click here for photos taken during the works.