Gotham
Restoring the Original Character of the Masonry
The project began with the careful removal of ivy and vegetation that had become established across the masonry. Once cleared, the condition of the underlying brickwork could be properly assessed and the restoration work could begin.
The existing joints were carefully raked out before the masonry was chemically cleaned to remove accumulated dirt and staining without unnecessarily damaging the original surface.
The brickwork was then repointed using traditional lime mortar, chosen to complement the original masonry and allow the building to breathe naturally.
One of the most rewarding moments came when the granddaughter of the property’s original owner saw the completed restoration. She complimented the work and commented that it looked just as it had on the day it was built — a fitting result for a project focused on preserving the building’s original character.
The Challenge
Ivy and vegetation had spread across the masonry, concealing the condition of the brickwork beneath and contributing to its deterioration.
The Restoration Process
The vegetation was carefully removed before the mortar joints were raked out and the masonry chemically cleaned, revealing the original brickwork.
Traditional Lime Repointing
The masonry was repointed using lime mortar, helping to protect the original brickwork while retaining the traditional appearance and breathable qualities of the building.
The Result
The finished work restored much of the property’s original character. The granddaughter of the original owner told us that it looked just as it had when the building was first built — a particularly rewarding endorsement of the restoration.