TESTIMONIALS
Although the rear extension, while the objective of proving something of a “juxtaposition” of styles when looking to extend historic buildings is often proposed, unfortunately the quality of the architecture means that in most cases what is intended to be an interesting contrast of styles to deliver this “striking juxtaposition” just results in jarring visual incoherence.
From reviewing the extension designs proposed within the pre-app statement, this is rare example of how to execute such a design approach successfully, in that what has been proposed could be considered interesting and controlled design. It is appreciated that the design approach may face some resistance, but importantly what is proposed can be regarded as “good design”.
South Gloucestershire Council Conservation Officer
The Curzon had been struggling with it’s leaking roof for years, and finally receiving funds the National Lottery Heritage Fund allowed for a tender to go out to reputable contractors.
Our choice of Corbel was amply rewarded. Throughout the process it has been an absolute pleasure dealing with the company. Their site manager kept us regularly updated on progress - we were kept informed of any problems encountered and any opportunities to make improvements to the structure were seized on. Despite the Coronavirus lockdown, they were able to ensure that work on steel trusses continued over that period, so that very little time was lost. Communications with the whole team: architects, contractors and other engineers were very satisfactorily managed.
The roof restoration was completed on time and within budget, and we were helped to access the site regularly, to interview and film contractors and employees for our records. The entire team, including sub contractors, were courteous and good-humoured throughout, which obviously reflects on the good management of the team. During the 7 month procedure, there was no cause for complaint .We would wholeheartedly recommend Corbel for any restoration project.
Susannah Shaw
CEO Curzon Community Cinema Ltd
Architecton worked with Corbel Conservation on the repair of two 16th century houses. Horton Court, in Gloucestershire, for The National Trust in 2017 and 2018, and the repair of Tickenham Court in Somerset in 2019.
The work covered all aspects of construction from ground works to roofing, complex services installations, and some of the best conservation repair that I have seen. Their work is always careful and meticulous.
All members of the construction team were knowledgeable, skilled and decent people with whom I enjoyed working. I would recommend Corbel Conservation to any prospective client to look after both them and their building.
Robert Battersby
Architecton Ltd
This was my first experience of working with Corbel and it was a pleasure from beginning to end; from some difficult and substantial cost engineering work at post-tender stage to a speedy conclusion of the final account. I found them to be fair and straightforward throughout and both pro-active and timely in presenting variation cost information which was instrumental in allowing rapid decision making by the design team and avoiding delay and unexpected cost over-runs
Ian Walker
Walker Associates
Thank you very much indeed for the painstaking and loving care that you gave the unspoiled interior of the Xlc Church of St Petrock. I was approached by the Churches Conservation Trust in February this year and asked if i would like to organise an event at St Petrocks to celebrate the repairs that were in hand. I was not to be disappointed as one Monday morning close to the event I walked into the church and my breath was taken away. The church had been transformed back into a place of worship and especially to the forefront was the evocative scent of waxed pews! This was followed by the joy of seeing so much attention to detail being taken over the smallest things including a very high standard of heritage restoration. My sincerest thanks for working a miracle inside St Petrock.
Atisha McGregor Auld
Corbel Conservation Ltd recently completed the major refurbishment of the Grade 2* listed Winterbourne Medieval Barn. The work was carried out to a high standard and the contract was completed to time and cost. Throughout the year long project the Site Manager worked with the trust to enable us to carry on some activities on site and was extremely supportive in detailing with queries and issues.
Sue Parsons
We had a two year involvement with Corbel who we have used to manage and deliver an extensive and at times complicated and sophisticated renovation. Almost all interior and exterior surfaces of our ancient house have been worked upon and treated with respect and care so as to give us now a modern house true to its history and construction. We are very pleased with the workmanship, day to day management and advice offered. Without the company's sensitivity to the age and importance of the building the result would have been much inferior.
Working with traditional materials Corbel have used craftsmen with uncommon skills to re-render the exterior, re-plumb and rewire, lay new floors, create a wonderful kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom and showers, restore ancient stonework and decorate almost all of the house. Problems along the way have been dealt with promptly and at times creatively. Work on an ancient house is unpredictable in terms of time scale and cost and we have found that Corbel's estimates have not only been in line with expected rates but very close to the final costs charged to us. While Corbel had hoped to finish the multi phase project sooner the 18 months of work is on reflection a satisfactory period to do such an amount of work. Corbel organised the work so that the work could be undertaken around us without the need for us to move out.
In summary Corbel have delivered a wonderful house true to the spirit of its ancient construction , within budget and on the whole it has been an enjoyable experience seeing the careful transformation first hand alongside a professional and sociable workforce.