Howell's School - Phase 1
External Fabric Repair
310studio recently completed Phase 1 of its external fabric repair project to the beautiful Howell’s School, a Grade II* Listed school in Cardiff that forms part of the Girl’s Day School Trust (GDST) family of schools. The works ensure that the building’s historic character and architectural integrity are preserved and enhanced for many future generations to enjoy.
The extraordinary story of Howell’s School extends back to a bequest in 1537 by a Bristol Merchant, Thomas Howell, which would, through the miracle of long term estate management by The Drapers Company, more than 300 years later be used to commission the noted Architect and confidante to Queen Victoria, Decimus Burton, to prepare designs for a school in the late gothic style. Burton later withdrew and the Drapers replaced Burton with their favoured architect, Herbert Williams. The school opened in August 1860 for sixty female borders, thirty of whom were orphans, honouring Howell’s wish from 300 years previously.
Client
Girls' School Day Trust
Location
Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales
Status
Complete
Team
Structural Engineer: Mann Williams
Contractor: Eden London
Stone Mason: VaultStone
Roof Contractor: Camilleri
Quantity Surveyor: TC2 Group
Heritage Plastering : MD Plastering
Photography: 310studio
Understanding the Historic Context
The restoration demanded a profound understanding of the building’s historic context. Our approach focused on conserving as much of the original fabric as possible, ensuring that modern interventions were sympathetic to the building’s heritage values. Any previous repairs that were inappropriate or damaging to the historic fabric were carefully undone and reinstated with approved, sympathetic methods.
Roof Restoration
The roof, made of beautiful Heather Blue Welsh slate with horizontal banding in Pembroke Green, serves as the building’s first line of defence against the unforgiving Welsh weather! Over time, slate absorbs water and becomes brittle and, through testing and liaison with slate experts, it was determined that the existing slates were considerably in excess of their usable life and would be replaced. The opportunity to introduce an ultrafine layer of high performance insulation, the same insulation that has been used by Nasa on its rockets, was taken to improve the thermal performance of the roof without negatively impacting the external appearance or raising the ridge line of the roof. This ensured that the restoration was entirely in keeping with its historic appearance whilst reducing the carbon emissions of the school overall.
Chimney Inspection, scheduling and Repair
A defining feature of Howell’s skyline, the multiple elegant chimneys that rise dramatically over the roofline, were individually inspected for stability, wear, and stone decay. Made from resilient Portland Limestone, the chimneys had weathered well over the years but weren’t without their areas of degradation. Lime mortar pointing and stone replacement were undertaken where needed and lead work carefully replaced to ensure their resilience for another 160 years.
Stonework Restoration
One of the primary tasks was cleaning, repairing and repointing the stonework. A super-heated water removal system known as the DOFF, followed by poultices to address more stubborn stains were used to gently remove over 160 years of accumulated dirt and pollution which had formed a ‘pollution crust.’ After cleaning, a careful sequence of stone repair and replacement and repointing was undertaken to restore the building’s original splendour.
Window analysis and restoration
Windows play a crucial role in both the appearance and function of the building. A detailed schedule was prepared to analyse each window, identifying those that required repair or replacement. Historic drawings and photographs were researched to ensure that any replacement windows were designed and crafted to match those that would have been installed originally, ensuring they were appropriate and in keeping with the prestigious status of this Grade II* listed building.
Cast Ironwork Overhaul
Howell’s features beautifully crafted cast ironwork, including a handsome weathervane atop the Clock Tower and delicate railings above the lantern over the Stone Hall staircase. Despite its toughness, iron is vulnerable to weathering. Our restoration process involved carefully overhauling, repairing, and selectively replacing external ironwork. We also repaired or replaced iron rainwater gutters, hoppers, and downpipes, relocating some modern pipework to restore the building’s original exterior appearance.
Clockface renewal
The beautiful clock dial within the clocktower over the main entrance was removed and brought to a the renowned Smith of Derby clockmakers for careful restoration. Curiously, Smith of Derby were the very same company that first supplied and installed the clock back in 1859.
310studio is proud to have played a part in bringing this part of Howell’s School back to its former glory, honouring its rich history while ensuring its future resilience.
310studio
Brightbow Workspace
60 - 62 Bedminster Parade
Bristol BS3 4HL
info@310studio.co.uk
+44 0117 223 0078
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