The asbestos survey had identified asbestos-containing materials in many of the wall and ceiling panels in the ground floor, and in three of the four roof elevations. The remaining roof elevation still had its original wet laid slate roof.
The preliminary works involved removal and disposal of all the asbestos materials, including stripping all the slates from the roof, and erection of the scaffolding. The internal boarding could then be removed to reveal the underlying timber framework, an essential first step in identifying the scope of structural repairs that would be required.
The architect, structural engineer and Historic England architect were then able to visit site to examine the building, and discuss the most appropriate approach. The roof was mostly replaced in the late C20th, and one of the pressing questions was whether the original slate roof was wet or dry laid. The photos show the team looking for, and finding, this evidence from the laths, and therefore the new roof will be wet laid.
Photographer: Alban Roinard
Architect: Rolfe Kentish Architect; QS/Project Manager: Trevor Humphreys Associates
Main Contractor: Symons Construction
Funding: National Lottery Heritage Fund; Arts Council England; Cornwall Council; Architectural Heritage Fund; Historic England; Garfield Weston Foundation; The Pilgrim Trust; The Sylvia Waddilove Foundation; and The Cornwall Heritage Trust.
