"stone quarried stonemasons restoration"

Albion Stone supplied approximately 65m² of Portland Jordans Whitbed in the form of paving slabs and steps for this private residence.Our client was delighted, he said: “The patio / path ‘project’ at my house was finished about 10 days ago – looks fantastic. Thank you & to everyone at Albion Stone for all your help."

Stone Cladding: Jura Beige Limestone - natural stone rainscreen cladding on this High School development in Cumbernauld. ARCHITECT: NORR MAIN CONTRACTOR: Morrison Construction INSTALLER: APS Developments PRODUCT: AlterStone Jura Beige Limestone CLADDING AREA: 1,600m2 START ON SITE: February 2016 COMPLETION: September 2016

Stone Cladding: Moleanos Crème Limestone - natural stone rainscreen cladding (Unitised). Lombard Street is a striking new office building in the midst of a Conservation Area and surrounded by listed buildings. PROJECT: 30 Lombard Street, London ARCHITECT: TP Bennett MAIN CONTRACTOR: ISG Construction INSTALLER: EAG PRODUCT: AlterStone Unitised Moleanos Crème Limestone CLADDING AREA: 1000m2 COMPLETION: August 2018

Stone Cladding: Red Sandstone - natural stone rainscreen cladding. The new Brodick Ferry Terminal opened April 2018 following completion of the £30 million infrastructure upgrade project, which has transformed the harbour area. ARCHITECT: NORR MAIN CONTRACTOR: George Leslie INSTALLER: Entec Design Services PRODUCT: AlterStone Red Sandstone CLADDING AREA: 1,150m2 START ON SITE: August 2016 COMPLETION: November 2016

Stone Cladding: Jura Beige Sandblasted Limestone - natural stone rainscreen cladding. Student Accommodation in Liverpool bounded by two key conservation areas on a site that was formerly used as a multi-storey car park. ARCHITECT: Rio Architects MAIN CONTRACTOR: Bowmer & Kirkland INSTALLER: FK Facades PRODUCT: AlterStone Jura Limestone Sandblasted CLADDING AREA: 350m2 START ON SITE: January 2017 COMPLETION: March 2017

Transforming the old stone barns at Davey’s Farm was a major undertaking.To make the aging structures fit for twenty-first century living, the builders had to embark on a thorough-going renovation project.But they had to do it in a way that preserved the traditional, rural character that made the site so desirable in the first place.When it came to the roofing, that meant identifying a material that could blend seamlessly with that rustic, natural aesthetic, while offering outstanding weather resistance, longevity and consistency of supply.SSQ’s Del Prado natural slate provided the answer.

Stone Cladding: Moca Crème Limestone - natural stone rainscreen cladding on this office development. ARCHITECT: AHMM MAIN CONTRACTOR: John Sisk & Son INSTALLER: Rollecate Facades PRODUCT: AlterStone Moca Crème Limestone CLADDING AREA: 400m2 START ON SITE: July 2015 COMPLETION: November 2015

Stone Cladding: Jura Beige Limestone - natural stone rainscreen cladding on this student accommodation development in Glasgow. ARCHITECT: Church Lukas MAIN CONTRACTOR: Graham Construction INSTALLER: APS Developments PRODUCT: AlterStone Jura Limestone CLADDING AREA: 1,110m2 START ON SITE: December 2016 COMPLETION: June 2017

Architect: EMAStone: Bela SandstoneThis impressive new residential development consisting of 34 apartments is clad in Aztec Rainscreen façade finished in Bela Sandstone. This buff/blonde sandstone is a perfect match for the historical City of Glasgow and the surrounding Victorian tenements It follows on from the earlier use of this durable stone in North Street. Completed in 2018 and designed by KFK Design, Atrium Gardens is a new-build property with the rainscreen installed by Roof & Façade Systems and boasting its own refined, sleek and contemporary finish.

Project Overview:Reducing the visual impact of guttering systems on the design of buildings is always a challenge for designers and architects. One solution is to use these systems as an architectural feature in themselves. The Justice Court collection of retirement homes in Cromer is one such case. These beautiful red brick and stone buildings have an aluminium guttering system combining the gutter, fascia and eves functions together with fascia panels above and below the large bay windows. The design intention was that these aluminium elements should resemble the feature stone band running across the building and to become a design statement in their own right. A close match to the shade and texture of the stone was required, and a consistency of colour throughout to emphasise the clean lines of the guttering & fascia system.The SolutionPowdertech Corby's Landscape range is a collection of high performance polyester powder coatings with shades and textures reflecting those found in our natural surroundings. Powdertech worked with their client to find a close match to the stone on the building. The amount of material to be coated required two batches so it was essential to have absolute colour consistency between batches. The total area coated was approximately 250m2.On the finished building the guttering, soffit and fascia look as though they are made of stone, providing a most pleasing effect. At Powdertech we were delighted to demonstrate our expertise for colour and texture matching. The final result vindicates our passion for this aspect of our work.BenefitsThe Landscape collection of powder coatings bring the warmth and texture of natural elements to the technical benefits of an architectural systems.There are currently eight Landscape ranges with over 40 shades. Customised shades can also be made. Landscape provides an ideal solution where the design calls for a highly specific colour tone to blend or complement natural surroundings.

The rock 'n' roll legends that are the Rolling Stones are situated at 9 Carnaby Street with their world-first flagship store, 'RS No. 9 Carnaby'.

How powder coating light-weighted a new buildPowder coated aluminium would solve the issues of weight and expense and is also low maintenance. The designers were impressed with the Powdertech Landscape™ ‘Stone’ range which replicates the colour and random markings of different natural stones. ‘Kilkenny Stone’ was the shade chosen, a Qualicoat Class 2 powder with high performance corrosion protection, weather resistance and colour stability. Over 3500sq metres of aluminium cladding panels, window reveals, column casings and soffit panels were coated.

Preserving History and Enhancing Architecture at South London Gallery Fire StationIn the heart of South London, the transformation of a former Victorian fire station into the captivating South London Gallery (SLG) Fire Station has rekindled the area's artistic spirit. This renowned contemporary art gallery, a beloved cultural institution, has expanded its footprint through a thoughtful restoration that highlights the heritage of the building and introduces inviting spaces for creative exploration.A Glimpse into the RestorationThe South London Gallery Fire Station, located just steps away from the main SLG building on Peckham Road, has emerged as a remarkable annex. This visionary project, undertaken by 6a architects, has effectively doubled the gallery's size, presenting an additional 425m² of public space. Through this transformation, the gallery's facilities have been expanded to include an archive gallery, exhibition spaces, community facilities, education spaces, and even an artists’ studio, all thoughtfully designed to elevate visitors' experiences.Reviving Victorian EleganceThis project's significance lies not only in its architectural prowess but also in its historical roots. The original fire station, dating back to 1867, served as a testament to Victorian Gothic architecture. Originally designed by Edward Cresy Jr, the building housed fire brigade officers and their families alongside operational spaces.Over time, the building transitioned from a fire station to various uses, even serving as a butchery factory. However, in 2014, the SLG was given the building to revitalise it into a hub for artistic and cultural enrichment. This endeavour was made possible through funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and the Mayor’s London Regeneration Fund.Architectural Symphony: The Restoration Process6a architects undertook the restoration with utmost respect for the building's historical character. Though structurally sound, the building required extensive restoration due to water damage and dry rot. The design aimed to retain the original layout and scale while introducing brighter and more inviting spaces.A new light-filled atrium was a central addition to the design, bringing a sense of openness to the interior. An iconic feature of the restoration is the gault brick façade on Peckham Road, meticulously repaired to its former glory. The main entrance, a striking aspect of the restoration, was reinstated with splendid double doors, custom-crafted by Gowercroft Joinery, known for their exquisite work on heritage projects.Timber Heritage Doors: A Testament to CraftsmanshipCentral to the restoration's success are the timber heritage doors that stand as a testament to both history and innovation. Gowercroft Joinery's skillful craftsmanship brought these doors to life, harmonising the heritage aesthetics with modern functionality. Weighing approximately 250kgs each, these solid timber double doors were engineered with precision to maintain their authenticity while offering optimal performance.These timber heritage doors, made from sustainable Accoya® timber, embody energy efficiency and durability. The exterior's timeless black finish, coupled with energy-efficient glazing, seamlessly contrasts with the interior's clean white aesthetics. These doors have not only restored the building's original entrance but have also breathed new life into the spaces within.Celebrating Heritage, Fostering ArtSince its opening in September 2018, the South London Gallery Fire Station has garnered acclaim for its sensitive restoration and architectural brilliance. This restoration has successfully achieved a delicate balance between historical preservation and modern innovation, resulting in a space that exudes elegance and charm.As a hub for artistic expression, education, and community engagement, the gallery continues to build on its legacy. By embracing the past and embracing the future, the South London Gallery Fire Station has become not just an architectural marvel but a beacon of culture and creativity for London and beyond.Margot Heller, the Director of South London Gallery, aptly summarises the project's essence: “Gowercroft Joinery’s recreation of the original Victorian fire station doors have helped to bring this distinctive and historic building back to life. Our expansion into this Fire Station has been truly transformative for the South London Gallery, enabling us to undertake a major step change in the scope and impact of our artistic and education programmes, championing the importance of art and culture in a new public space that is free to all at a time of rapid change in the local area.”Experience Art and History Unite at the South London Gallery Fire Station. Explore the Heritage Timber Doors that Bridge Time and Craftsmanship.

Situated in the heart of London’s West End, New Bond Street is home to many of the world’s iconic fashion houses.Prestigious French brand Chanel originally moved to New Bond Street back in 2010, holding only 10,000 square feet of retail space.Doubling their retail space, Chanel commissioned Macdonald Architects to design their new Flagship boutique at 158-159 New Bond Street.Miller Druck, approached Albion Stone looking for a ‘flawless’ material for the externals of the Chanel Store.Albion Stone offered their Jordans Basebed stone due to its historical context around Mayfair.

Architect: Broadway MalyanContractor: BAM ConstructionStone: YorkstoneThe £28M new Broadway Malyan designed Bradford Royal Infirmary Children’s Ward has now been officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal.The new wing, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was recognised with the top honour at the Local Authority Building Control awards for West Yorkshire at Wakefield Unity Works. The Children’s ward is clad in Aztec Rainscreen with a façade of our local Yorkstone.Aztec was chosen because of its similarity to other local buildings and for its speed of installation. Bam, having used the system before were confident of Stone Cladding Systems ability to deliver a quality system on time. 

In 2004 Apple opened their first European store in one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, Regent Street in London.The interior space is a 7.2-metre double-height grand hall and the interior front facade, with its full height arches clad in Portland stone, can be appreciated in its full extent.Albion Stone supplied Jordans Basebed for the internal wall linings which was sympathetic to the historic nature of the building.

Architect: Guy Hollaway Architects Main Contractor: Buxton Building Contractors Installer: Colorminium Stone: Jura Beige Guy Hollaway Architects designed the competition-winning scheme for the new concert hall at Benenden School near Cranbrook in Kent. The project, completed in 2021, delivered a new combined concert hall; school hall and music department. The new school hall has a capacity of 750. The Concert Hall includes a 150 seat recital hall and digital media suites. This development, the largest in the school’s history, achieves the combination of brick and natural stone, in the form of Aztec Rainscreen with stunning success. The honed Jura Limestone angled soffits give the windows a superiority as well as realising more light into the building. Areas of the large panel 1200x450mm rainscreen achieve a modern look on this prestigious development.

Architect: Allan Murray AssociatesMain Contractor: Cruden Home (East) Ltd.Installer: MetalTech Roofing and Cladding limitedAllan Murray Architects were the master planners and principal architects for the £150 million transformation of the former Caltongate area in the Old Town in Edinburgh. The site links Waverley Station with the historic Royal Mile, Covering approximately 7 acres this new urban centre mixes open spaces with retailers, restaurants, hotels and new homes and offices in this important area of the Edinburgh. Peakmoor was the stone of choice as it has a long history in the City.The project presents a major new Aztec rainscreen facade in the Peakmoor sandstone with balconies and a fully glazed iconic feature tower. A truly wonderful building with flexibility; lightweight, A1 non-combustible Aztec Natural Stone Cladding.

Concrete foundations of a wind energy plant: Due to the influences of the weather over the years, the following damages were noticed: •Cracks due to movement •Moisture into the structure •Spalling of the concrete •Corrosion of the reinforcement •Flaking paint The first step in the restoration of the foundation was pressure injecting the cracks - through which an elastic closure of the cracks was realized. The total surface was strengthened with a unique sillicate liquid. A waterproof sloped layer was installed; finally, the moving joint between the foundations and the steel tower of the wind energy plant was sealed elastically.

Riverstone Phyllite is SSQ’s signature slate; it is one of the few commercially accessible Phyllite stones in the world. Riverstone, Gruesa grade is a slate used for its quality and unconventional thickness of 12-15mm. Riverstone was recently selected to crown the picturesque Summer House residence, situated on the outskirts of Cheltenham, right in the heart of Gloucestershire. Working in close collaboration with Jonathan Rhind and Pete Thompson of Jonathan Rhind Architects, Ray Young and Richard Cook of SSQ recommended this signature slate to create this unusual roof. Visit our website to read more:

Structural Repairs’ office space was beautifully and seamlessly integrated into one of Windsor’s iconic train station arches. This newly built office space boasts from its impressive structural logistics and boldly featured decorative and themed memorabilia at many of its cozy corners.Via a combination of the fire grit machine, TORC system (seen in the images and videos), water by pressure and a DOFF system, the carbon accumulated in the brickwork was removed. These methods, especially the DOFF system, work with high-pressure stream and extremely high temperatures.Brick cleaning is an arduous and labor intensive process by which a brick masonry, also known as a layer of brick which has been laid on the wall’s outermost surface, is cleaned. Brick cleaning is required at various different stages of a building’s life, and with our arch, a cleaning was more than overdue to restore it back to its original condition!

Stone Cladding: Moleanos Crème Limestone & Giallo Veneziano Granite natural stone rainscreen cladding (Unitised). tp bennett was asked to refurbish the building to Grade A office standard. PROJECT: 8 SALISBURY SQUARE LONDON ARCHITECT: TP Bennett MAIN CONTRACTOR: BAM Construct UK INSTALLER: English Architectural Glazing & PAYE PRODUCT: AlterStone Unitised Moleanos Crème Limestone & Giallo Veneziano Granite CLADDING AREA: 800m2 COMPLETION: June 2016

Burberry has opened a new flagship store in Shanghai, China. Its eighth location in the city and the largest so far.The new store was inspired by 121 Regent Street, the brand’s global flagship store and is all about bringing London to Shanghai. That means driving home the brand's heritage through British-made décor, craftsmanship and materials while matching the Regent Street location.The space reflects the architectural design concept developed by Burberry’s Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey.Albion Stone supplied Basebed blocks to EDM for the internal and external clad

Job: Restoration of Norman CastleProduct: SMET NHL 5 BinderDescriptionSMET NHL 5 Binder was specially selected for the restoration works in this historic Norman Castle and Tower.  Rainey Restoration Ltd used our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 5 to produce a superior-quality lime mortar.SMET NHL 5 is a high-quality, pure, Natural Hydraulic Lime binder, produced under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems to EN 459-1. The eminent hydraulic strength development of SMET NHL 5 makes it suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, plastering base coats, and limecrete in extreme weather environments and exposed areas.  An eminently hydraulic lime binder for the production of mortars particularly suited for ecological new build, restoration, and preservation works in extreme weather environments and exposed areas. The product’s special composition allows the mortar product to breathe and also permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment.NHL binders, available directly in-store and online via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. This restoration is another showcase of sympathetic historic building restoration, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.Our restoration and preservation NHL is available from Haldane Fisher online. Superior quality combined with exceptional technical support and aftercare, are the key drivers in the selection of SMET natural conservation products.ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 accredited Smet Building Products Ltd, demonstrating – once again – best practices in supporting Smet Supported Partners in Natural Hydraulic Lime products.

The Driftwood Spars is a 17th century Grade II Listed building of an immense character. It is a historic building and an essential part of the St Agnes Community, as well as a World Heritage site within an area of an outstanding natural beauty.The Pub is built of the local stone and the huge ship’s timbers and spares, from which it got its name. The building offers a wealth of history, having been converted from a tin mining warehouse, chandlery, sail making loft and fish cellar over the years to a hotel with a public bar.The original roof was made of Cornish Delabole and Trevillet slates, which due to harsh weather conditions and extensive service life have fallen into disrepair.The priority of the free hold pub’s owners and the Architect was to replicate the traditional roofing method, “wet laid” with diminishing slates from 18” to 12” inches, using modern slating method, that would be acceptable by the Cornwall Planning stakeholders.

As part of a £5.5 billion strategy to become a landmark London station, the new Blackfriars scheme includes the construction of a new station on the South Bank with an aim to increase the service capacity, frequency of trains and provide better interchange service between National Rail and London Underground services.Originally opened in 1886, Blackfriars was designed by Pascall and Watson, with the façade and concourse being modernised in the 1970s. Jacobs were commissioned to design the new station building and Tony Gee and Partners to design the rail bridge.Albion Stone supplied approximately 918m² of Bowers Whitbed, mostly in the form of 75mm thick ashlar panels.

It’s no wonder that our Raj Green Indian Sandstone is one of our most popular stones, when it can be used in so many different ways. This project in Oxfordshire used Raj Green to echo the traditional countryside nature of the property. Raj Green is a very hard wearing stone, with similar colours and tones to York stone, which is why this stone is so popular. This project required a large quantity of Raj Green stone, to create a vast patio area at the back of this country home, as well as paved areas around the garage, and several paths surrounding the garden. Raj Green is such a popular product, as it is perfect for any home, garden or landscaping project. It is versatile and timeless, and will look at home anywhere.

The project comprised a large office development of approximately 16,660 square meters of office floor space arranged over 7 storeys.Situated in the business centre of London in one of the London Borough of Camden’s conservation areas, Finsbury Square utilised the traditional Portland Stone element of the surrounding buildings and combined it with contemporary design practices.

Channel 4’s ‘Grand Designs’ featured Helifix masonry repair techniques to retain a 300 year old dilapidated stone barn. Built with rubble-filled Cotswold Stone walls, some 600mm thick, the unstable barn needed to be consolidated and strengthened to protect it during construction of the new subterranean house. The walls were consolidated by using 140 grouted CemTies. The installation of 340m of Helibeam reinforcement then created ring-beams around the structure. Existing window and door openings were temporarily blocked to permit continuity of the HeliBars, which were later cut and embedded into the reveals.

Job: Restoration of cottage dating from 1764 in Ardglass Golf ClubProduct: SMET NHL 3.5 BinderRelated DownloadsTDS SMET NHL 3.5SMET / Haldane Fisher NHL BrochureSMET NHL 3.5 binder was specially selected for the restoration works internal restoration of an old 1764 cottage found on the 7th hole of historic Ardglass Golf Club. This will be an added attraction for members and the many overseas visitors alike when coming to play Ardglass.Our superior-quality pure Natural Hydraulic Lime binder SMET NHL 3.5 was used to produce a superior-quality lime mortar for repointing and internal restoration.  The selective hydraulic strength development of NHL binders makes them particularly suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, and plastering on historical buildings and monuments.NHL binders, available directly from SMET and online or in-store via our distribution partner Haldane Fisher, are particularly suited for ecological new builds, conservation, restoration, and preservation works. The products’ special composition allows mortars to breathe and permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment.This restoration is another wonderful showcase of sympathetic historic building restorations around the country, using superior-quality NHL products available from SMET.

Using Solo Onecoat Lime Plaster to restore walls in a fire damaged home

Sadly, it’s all too common to see what was once a beautiful wooden decking, transform into a cold, dark and grey decking due to an inferior product being used to finish it.This customer’s decking was finished with a low quality oil which lasted only 3 months before turning their beautiful new deck into a sorry state of affairs.Luckily, our good friend Roger at R&A Pressure Washing Services (visit his website via the link at the bottom of this post) knew exactly what to do to restore this balau decking back to its former glory.So how exactly did Roger get this beautiful finished result?Striping the previous coatingBefore Roger could apply any finishing products, he first had to remove the previous coating that caused the damage in the first place.To do this, he used Prepdeck, our wood stripper specially designed for the removing of old solid and semi transparent stains from wood.Due to the balau decking being a tight grooved deck, he had to be sure to scrub the decking thoroughly. This is to be sure no previous coating would be left behind in between the grooves. A very important step when using Owatrol products as they need to penetrate into the surface. Products that sit on the surface of the wood will not give you long lasting results.Neutralising and brightening the woodAfter the wood has been thoroughly stripped and the previous coatings are a thing of the past, the wood then needs to be neutralised.To do this, Roger used Net-Trol, our powerful wood cleaner and brightener. This restores greyed and weathered wood to its natural colour without damaging the wood’s fibres.Net-Trol is fast acting and can restore the original colour of your wood surface in as little as 15 minutes.Applying the finish to the deckingFinally, Roger applied the customers chosen finish, Textrol.Textrol is available in 7 shades and the customer opted for Clear so they could fully appreciate the beautiful natural colour of the Balau wood. Roger applied 2 coats to get the desired finish.Textrol enhances the natural beauty of the wood whilst providing a mildew-resistant finish. It offers exceptional and long-lasting protection from the effects of moisture, weathering and UV rays.We think you’ll agree that the finished result is absolutely beautiful!Using inferior products may seem like the most cost effective way to finish your decking, but unfortunately, these types of products simply do not last and will cost you more in the long run to get the wood to the way you want it.Owatrol offers high quality, long lasting coatings which offer exceptional protection and a superior finish.Find out more about Prepdeck, Net-Trol and Textrol by using the following links:PrepdeckNet-TrolTextrol

Wilkins Terrace has transformed the unsightly and unloved Physics Yard into a visually stunning and indispensable social, events and amenity space for UCL.The terrace area is landscaped in Portland Stone; a natural, sustainable choice with a high fossil content that provides a textured finish and adheres to the strict guidelines for working on the Grade I listed building, which is ‘carved out’ to create a lower terrace alongside the refectory and an upper terrace off Wilkins North Cloisters.

The new building reflects the ideology of Qatar Airways and provides a contemporary office and new retail showroom.The new project replaces two late 1940s/early 1950s buildings.Albion Stone supplied Portland Grove Whitbed in block form which was produced into cladding and installed in a ‘wing’ pat.

Project: East Parade, LeedsArchitect: Associated ArchitectsInstaller: HKL Specialists LtdStone: Yorkstone & Black GraniteBarclay’s House in Leeds Office Quarter was transformed by the design from Associated Architects. An old 1980s building is now a prime 45,000 sq. Ft office building – 6 East Parade (6EP)Glazing on the upper levels gives way to Glazed red terracotta and a solid foundation on the ground floor of Yorkstone on Aztec Rainscreen. A truly stunning building that was Highly Commended in the BCO (Regional) ‘Refurbished / Recycled Workplace’ Awards

Discover the remarkable transformation of Draycott's Canal Side Cottages, a project that has breathed new life into six derelict 200-year-old cottages in Derbyshire. Led by the dedicated efforts of the Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Trust and local volunteers, this restoration project has not only created a stunning residential development but also a historical tourist attraction.Gowercroft products used:Chatsworth Sliding Sash WindowsMelbourne DoorsHardwick Casement WindowsRed GrandisOriginally built in the 1820s on the banks of the old Derby Canal, these cottages served as homes for mill workers and local families. However, by 1985, they had fallen into disrepair, on the verge of demolition. In 2017, the Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Trust stepped in to rescue the cottages as part of their ambitious plan to restore the disused canal and the surrounding area.With the vision of turning these cottages into a vibrant mixed-use complex, the Trust launched a £650k appeal. The goal was to create three 2-3 bedroom dwellings, a canal side café, commercial spaces for leisure companies, and a museum showcasing the canal's history and the lives of mill workers.ADDC Architects, renowned conservation experts, were entrusted with the task of designing the conversion. They skillfully worked around the intricate history of the original brick buildings, which had gone through multiple alterations and rebuilds in the 19th century. The architects aimed to preserve the unique character of the cottages while ensuring a functional layout suitable for their new purpose.The restoration process involved an incredible community effort, with local tradesmen, contractors, and volunteers coming together to bring the cottages back to life. The extensive work included clearing vegetation and debris, erecting scaffolding, reinforcing timbers, and salvaging original bricks and slates for rebuilding.One crucial aspect of the restoration was the installation of new timber windows. Gowercroft Joinery, a reputable local manufacturer with expertise in heritage and restoration projects, supplied the traditional Chatsworth sliding sash windows for the canal-facing elevations. These windows perfectly matched the original designs, featuring slim finger-jointed frames and Georgian styled glazing bars. At the rear, Hardwick casement windows were installed to maintain a utilitarian look consistent with the building's history.Crafted from solid Red Grandis hardwood, the windows offered both elegance and energy efficiency. The bespoke curved top casements faithfully reinstated, and Melbourne hardwood doors further enhanced the joinery and timber craftsmanship throughout the cottages.The restored Canal Cottages now stand as a symbol of the Trust's broader vision to revive the 13-mile canal and its surrounding areas. Once completed, the canal restoration will create a 25-mile cruising ring, connecting to thousands of miles of navigable waterways across the UK. It will provide opportunities for outdoor activities, such as angling, canoeing, and cycling while promoting wildlife conservation and improving the well-being of local residents.By being a part of this project, Gowercroft Joinery has not only contributed to the architectural heritage but also supported the revival of the Derby Canal, acting as a catalyst for regeneration in the city centre. The Canal Side Cottages showcase the perfect synergy between traditional craftsmanship and modern performance, ensuring years of comfort and enjoyment for all those who experience them.