Aardvark Building Conservation is a specialist building restoration business based in Iwerne Minster, Dorset, undertaking the repair, conservation and sympathetic alteration of historic and traditionally constructed buildings.
Associated with conservation craftsman James Harrison, the business combines practical building experience with specialist knowledge of traditional construction materials and methods. Its principal areas of work include lime plastering, stone masonry, cob repairs, decorative plasterwork and wider building restoration.
The company works with historic houses, traditional cottages, listed buildings and properties containing significant architectural features. Its services range from localised repairs and maintenance to substantial renovation, restoration and building alterations.
Aardvark Building Conservation has reported experience working on significant heritage properties and projects associated with national conservation organisations and architectural practices.
The conservation of older buildings requires an understanding of their original construction, historic materials and subsequent alterations.
Traditional structures frequently incorporate lime mortars, natural stone, cob, timber and other materials whose physical characteristics differ from those of modern construction.
Aardvark Building Conservation undertakes repairs and restoration using traditional techniques appropriate to the character and construction of individual buildings.
Work may involve repairing deteriorated masonry, restoring traditional finishes, addressing defective construction and adapting existing spaces while retaining significant architectural fabric.
Conservation repairs should be informed by the condition of surviving materials and the underlying causes of deterioration. Where practicable, sound original fabric should be retained rather than unnecessarily replaced.
Lime plastering is one of Aardvark Building Conservation's principal specialist activities.
Traditional lime plasters have been used extensively in British buildings for centuries, particularly on solid masonry walls, timber laths and other historic substrates.
These materials can accommodate moisture movement and limited building movement differently from many modern cement-based and gypsum finishes.
The company undertakes traditional plastering associated with the repair and restoration of historic interiors, including work involving lime plaster, timber laths and decorative architectural details.
Its published project experience includes plaster repairs within historic country houses and traditional buildings in Dorset and the New Forest.
Where original plasterwork survives, conservation should consider the possibility of localised repair and consolidation before extensive replacement is undertaken.
Aardvark Building Conservation also undertakes decorative plasterwork, including traditional cornices, coving and architectural plaster features.
Historic plaster mouldings are important elements of Georgian, Regency and Victorian interiors, reflecting the architectural proportions and decorative character of individual rooms.
James Harrison has published examples of Georgian-style cornice installation, demonstrating experience with traditional decorative plasterwork.
Where original mouldings have been damaged or removed, appropriate reinstatement should be informed by surviving details, historic evidence and the architectural period of the building.
Decorative plaster repairs require consideration of moulding profiles, materials, surface finishes and the relationship between new and existing elements.
Stone masonry forms another important part of the company's building conservation services.
Historic buildings throughout Dorset and the South West frequently incorporate locally sourced limestone, sandstone and other natural building stones.
Traditional masonry construction requires an understanding of stone characteristics, mortar compatibility, weathering and the methods used in earlier periods of construction.
Aardvark Building Conservation undertakes stonework and associated masonry repairs as part of wider conservation and restoration projects.
Repair proposals should consider retaining original stones wherever their condition permits, with any necessary replacement materials selected to correspond with the existing construction.
Traditional lime mortars may be appropriate where their physical characteristics are compatible with the surrounding masonry.
The repair of traditional cob buildings is a distinctive area of the company's published project experience.
Cob is an historic building material formed from earth, aggregate, water and fibrous reinforcement, commonly found in traditional buildings throughout parts of southern and western England.
Historic cob structures can be vulnerable to deterioration where inappropriate materials, defective drainage or prolonged moisture exposure affect the original construction.
James Harrison has documented repair work involving a traditional cob-built woodsman's cottage near the New Forest.
The project involved investigation of structural defects, repairs to earth walls and the introduction of timber elements to support the existing construction.
His published work also includes the repair and reconstruction of traditional cob masonry using materials and techniques appropriate to the building.
Conservation of earth buildings requires particular attention to moisture management, structural stability and the compatibility of replacement materials.
Aardvark Building Conservation's project experience also includes repairs involving traditional timber construction.
Historic timber elements may provide structural support, form part of internal joinery or contribute to the architectural character of a building.
James Harrison has documented the fabrication and installation of oak elements associated with repairs to traditional cob construction.
Examples include a shaped oak support and associated internal timber features.
Where significant original timbers survive, repair strategies should consider their structural condition, historic significance and potential for retention.
Replacement timber should be selected and detailed appropriately for the existing building.
In addition to conservation repairs, the company undertakes building alterations, renovations and selected conversion projects.
Its published services include refurbishment, extensions, loft conversions and other building modifications.
Such work can require the integration of contemporary accommodation requirements within traditional structures.
In historic buildings, alterations should take account of the existing construction, architectural significance and the potential impact on original materials.
Appropriate design and construction methods can help accommodate new uses while retaining the character of older buildings.
Aardvark Building Conservation reports experience involving significant historic buildings and projects associated with national heritage organisations.
Published references include work at Osborne House, Highcliffe Castle, Stoneleigh Abbey, Ashcombe House and the British Museum.
The business also reports experience with local churches, country houses and other buildings of architectural interest.
These references reflect the company's published project history and should be distinguished from independently verified contract appointments.
The company's conservation services are relevant to private property owners, architects, surveyors, heritage organisations and those responsible for maintaining traditional buildings.
The company's combination of traditional plastering, masonry, cob construction and general building skills provides a practical basis for the repair and adaptation of historic structures.
Successful conservation requires an understanding of original building materials, the causes of deterioration and the consequences of earlier repairs.
The use of appropriate traditional methods can help preserve historic fabric while maintaining the continued use of older buildings.
Where work affects listed buildings or other protected historic structures, the significance of surviving architectural features should be assessed and any necessary statutory consents obtained before alterations commence.
Aardvark Building Conservation's experience with limework, traditional masonry, earth construction and building restoration makes its services relevant to the conservation of Dorset's historic buildings and the wider architectural heritage of South West England.
| Services & Expertise | |
|---|---|
| Principal Areas of Work: | Historic Building Conservation, Traditional Building Restoration, Lime Plastering, Historic Plasterwork Repairs, Stone Masonry, Cob Building Repairs, Earth Building Conservation, Decorative Plasterwork, Historic Building Renovation, Traditional Building Alterations, Listed Building Repairs, Heritage Building Maintenance |
| Capabilities and Specialisms: | Traditional Lime Plaster, Lime Mortar, Historic Lath and Plaster, Georgian Cornices, Decorative Plaster Mouldings, Traditional Coving, Stone Masonry Repairs, Natural Stone Conservation, Cob Construction, Earth Building Repairs, Traditional Timber Repairs, Oak Timberwork, Historic Cottage Restoration, Country House Conservation, Heritage Building Alterations, Traditional Construction Methods, Historic Fabric Retention, Listed Building Renovation, Period Property Repairs, Traditional Building Maintenance |
| Accreditation & Membership Details: | Aardvark Building Conservation is a specialist conservation contractor with particular expertise in lime plastering, masonry and stonework. The business reports experience involving projects associated with English Heritage, the National Trust and leading architectural practices. James Harrison's published work includes traditional cob repairs, decorative plasterwork, oak timber repairs and lime-based conservation. Current professional accreditations and trade memberships have not been independently verified. |
| Geographical Areas Covered: | Dorset, North Dorset, Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton, Iwerne Minster, Wiltshire, Somerset, Hampshire, New Forest, South West England |
| Contact & Online Presence | |
| Mobile: | +44 (0) 7796 125432 |
| Contact(s): | James Harrison |
| Email: | harrisonaard1@aol.com |
| Business Details & Insurance. | |
| Company Trading Name: | Aardvark Building Conservation |
