Case Study:Facade Restoration of the Former Lamb Pub and Hotel

Introduction

The former Lamb Pub and Hotel, a Grade II listed building in Preston, required extensive exterior restoration. Overlooked for years, the building had not seen significant maintenance since its closure in 2000. Known for its historical significance and vibrant past, including hosting famous bands and being owned by notable individuals, the property needed extensive exterior restoration works. In this case study, we will discuss the facade restoration process undertaken by Spectrum Specialist Support, detailing the challenges, processes and successful outcomes achieved to preserve this lovely property.

The Project

The Lamb Pub has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The building has served as a pub and hotel, famous for its vibrant role in the live music scene of the 1980s and 1990s. However, after its closure in 2000, the property needed some renovation work to bring it back into the 21st century.

While the property was being converted into residential units, the owners wished to preserve its distinctive historical facade. This included repairing the bay windows, replacing sash windows, removing and reapplying the render and repainting the facade, all while adhering to heritage conservation standards.v

The Challenges 

The restoration of the Lamb Pub presented several challenges. The most significant challenge was preserving the historical integrity of the Grade II listed building, which required meticulous planning and execution. Over the years, the facade was in poor condition, with significant damage to the render, stonework, and paint. Furthermore, gaining planning permission from Preston City Council was a lengthy process, needing detailed methodology statements to explain our work. Access issues were one of the reasons our client sought our help, as we needed to avoid scaffolding and employ non-invasive techniques to prevent further damage to the structure. 

These issues were effectively managed by our experienced team, who used our Spectrum Cherry Picker and demonstrated exceptional skill in high-level maintenance work, ensuring the project was completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

The Solution

To address these challenges, Spectrum developed a comprehensive restoration plan, focusing on non-invasive, heritage-approved methods. The solution involved several key elements. Firstly, we carefully removed the existing non-breathable sand and cement render using hand tools to prevent damage to the underlying brickwork. To clean the brickwork, we used the DOFF system, which applies superheated steam at low pressure, supplemented by the TORC system to tackle any stubborn carbon stains. 

Stone repairs were done using mineral-based repair materials from Stonehealth, matched in colour and texture to the original stone. Finally, we applied Keim Restauro breathable render, with additional reinforcement in fragile areas using a GRP mesh to ensure structural integrity and longevity. 

The Process

The process began with initial preparations like cleaning the facade and removing paint from the window surrounds. Black paint on the window sills was softened and removed using DOFF steam cleaning. After cleaning, the extent of stone repairs was reassessed and expanded as necessary to ensure comprehensive restoration.

The stone repairs and recoating phase involved meticulous crack repairs using breathable materials and Helifix systems to support more extensive areas of repair. Voids in the brickwork and exposed RSJs were filled with bricks and lime mortar before rendering. 

The existing render was carefully removed by hand to prevent any damage to the underlying brickwork. The original render was sand and cement, which is a non-breathable compound and was causing water to become trapped within the walls, causing serious internal damage. This water damage had caused the render to delaminate from the brick below - posing serious safety concerns if any of the render were to fall. For this reason, we removed all of the original sand and cement render on the facade and replaced it with breathable lime mortar. We applied Keim Universal Render as a one-pass skim coat initially. Due to the fragility of certain areas, a second skim with GRP mesh was added to provide additional structural integrity and durability.

Following the repairs, the stonework was recoated with KEIM breathable concrete coating, and metal structures were treated with rust-preventing Hammerite to ensure longevity and protection.

The final touches were crucial for ensuring the overall visual impact and durability of the restoration. We ensured watertight seals around the window frames to prevent future water ingress by applying fresh silicone sealant. Detailed inspections and final adjustments were made to guarantee that the restoration met both heritage requirements and client standards.

The Result

The facade of the Lamb Former Pub and Hotel was successfully restored, enhancing its historical charm while meeting modern standards for residential conversion goals. The project was completed on time and within budget, achieving several key outcomes. The building's facade was brought back to its original charm, with seamless repairs and an authentic appearance, enhancing its historical features like its iconic rounded window. 

The use of breathable, sympathetic heritage materials ensured the long-term preservation of the building's structure for many years to come. The project met all regulatory requirements, preserving an important piece of Preston's architectural heritage for future generations.  Dr Yussaf and Rachel expressed their satisfaction with the meticulous care and expertise demonstrated by the Spectrum team.