Over the past two years, Brims Construction have completed the first phase of a long-term restoration project to Grade I listed Norman Chapel, Durham Castle, which was built in 1080, is the City’s oldest standing building.
Due to a build-up of Earth from ground level rises over the years, Norman Chapel has become party subterranean. Water has seeped into the sandstone walls, causing Structural damage and deterioration of the Chapel.
External repairs included replacing over 60 individual stones, which were the underground walls, which had been excavated and resurfaced. We removed the loose mortar from the Chapel walls and resealed with a bespoke lime mortar mix, which had been designed for sole use by Durham University.
The project has involved extensive restoration works, where we worked closely with specialists from Hirst Conservation contractors. Essential work has been completed to the stonework, which will enable it to dry out. The restoration works will prevent further damage from occurring and preserve the Chapel keeping its unique features intact.
We installed a full newly designed Wavin ‘Root Guard’ drainage system, providing a full root guard within the materials.
The old lead and cast-iron rainwater system was full refurbished by a specialist contractor, with hidden detailing to increase the longevity of the items upon reinstallation.
Other works included a full refurbishment of the windows, involving different designs such as Gothic or Norman Arch, which included stripping back the paint layers to bare timber.
Reinforcement and rebuilding of the Jacobean Garden wall was also completed.
We removed over 400m2 of stone façade, carefully removing and replacing over 80 individual stones, window head hood mouldings and window cills. A bespoke lime mortar mix designed by The Scottish Lime Trust was used.
Testimonial: “Very rewarding but challenging scheme – unsupported buttress needed underpinning upon excavation externally, repairs and maintenance to the north facade and excavating down to provide a ventilated light well to stop the deterioration of stone within the chapel- mainly from excessive moisture moving from the external walls through to the interior affecting the coal measures sandstone. Thanks to the project team who are doing a fantastic job on a complex project.”
Ian Rooney, Director of Construction Services, Durham University