Aylesbury School

The works include the conservation, repair, and faithful reproduction of external timber elements across the façades and roof of a historic school building. All interventions prioritise retention of original fabric, heritage accuracy, and long‑term durability.

Scope of Works (Updated)

1. Condition Survey & Heritage Assessment

A full inspection will document the condition of all external timber components, including decorative roof‑mounted features such as finials, gable ornaments, ridge embellishments, and bespoke joinery. Original profiles, joinery methods, and fixing details will be recorded to enable accurate replication.

2. Timber Repairs & Splicing

Localised repairs will be carried out using traditional carpentry techniques and conservation‑grade materials. This includes resin repairs, scarfed splices, and consolidation of weakened sections while retaining as much original timber as possible.

3. Replacement of Severely Degraded Elements

Where components are beyond repair, new sections will be fabricated to match the original in:

• Timber species

• Profile and moulding detail

• Dimensions and proportions

• Fixing methods

• Decorative carving or shaping

This includes bargeboards, fascia boards, soffits, window trims, and exposed rafter ends.

4. Manufacture of Hand‑Made Ornamental Timber Roof‑Mounted Structures (New Section)

Specialist heritage carpenters will manufacture hand‑made ornamental timber structures to replicate the original roof‑mounted features. This includes, where applicable:

• Decorative finials and spirelets

• Ornamental gable apex features

• Carved ridge‑line embellishments

• Historic ventilation turrets or mini‑cupolas

• Bespoke patterned verge or eaves ornaments

Manufacturing Requirements

• All items will be hand‑crafted using traditional joinery techniques.

• Timber species will match the original (typically Douglas Fir, Cedar, or Oak depending on the building’s period).

• Profiles will be reproduced using templates taken from surviving elements or archival drawings.

• Carved details will be replicated by hand to ensure authenticity.

• All components will be pre‑treated, primed, and finished with a breathable heritage‑grade paint system.

• Fixings will be stainless steel or galvanised to prevent future corrosion.

• Installation will follow original fixing patterns to maintain visual and structural authenticity.

5. Roof Interface Repairs

Repairs to rafter ends, eaves, verges, and leadwork will ensure the new and existing timber elements are fully protected from moisture and wind‑driven rain.

6. Surface Preparation & Repainting

All retained and new timber will be redecorated using a high‑performance, breathable paint system suitable for heritage buildings.

7. Compliance & Conservation Standards

All works will follow Historic England guidance and local conservation officer requirements, ensuring the building’s architectural character is preserved.