Client

Dogs Trust

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Contractor

Kier Southern

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More information

Andy Parker
Hall Farm
Thickwood Lane
Colerne, Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN14 8BE
United Kingdom

Tel: 01225 743089
E-mail Andy Parker

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Thursday, March 30, 2006 · Harefield, England

Carpenter Oak & Woodland was asked to dismantle, restore and re-erect the main timbered barn at the site, which dated back to the 16^th Century.  This now acts as a Visitor Centre.  We also carried out general repairs and maintenance on a series of other, more modern, outbuildings.

These restored barns now provide new kennels and a reception area totalling 1,700sq m.  The whole site has been designed to complement the existing structures within its rural setting and the scheme incorporates many innovative energy saving features including rainwater recycling.

The completed building at Dogs Trust

Prior to the start of the conservation work Carpenter Oak & Woodland undertook a detailed two day survey of the main barn.  Their resulting report went forward to Kier Southern and the area’s Conservation Officer for consideration.

Initially Kier Southern had anticipated that only half the barn would need to be dismantled and taken off site for repair, however ultimately it was agreed that it would be more cost effective for Carpenter Oak & Woodland to completely dismantle the seven bay barn for repair in our framing yard in Wiltshire.

The completed building at Dogs Trust

The dismantling process took two weeks, with each of the eight main cross beams and its corresponding trusses and supports, being numbered and photographed before they were transported.

Two teams working under the experienced eye of conservation carpenter Richard de Trey-White, painstakingly repaired and restored the frame over a 12 week period. Reassembly of the frame on site took three weeks to complete, Kier Southern then completed the build, adding the cladding, roof and all the internal works.