Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration were appointed as the main contractor for this project. The property had been purchased by a young, dynamic couple with a clear vision for a sympathetic restoration. At some point during the 1980s, the original render had been removed, exposing the timber frame. Research confirmed that the frame would historically have been covered. Unfortunately, the exposed frame had been infilled with cement blocks and coated with hard cement render, which accelerated the decay of this historic structure. We supported the clients through the listed building application process and held numerous meetings with the local conservation officer before works commenced to agree on both the specification and programme. Once on site, the extent of structural deterioration became clear. Extensive timber frame repairs were carried out, including replacement of sole plates and studs, as well as improving poor connections. With the structure stabilised, we installed Savolit board, insulated using sheep’s wool, and applied an insulated lime plaster. Internally, the timber frame was left exposed and plastered in between using lime plaster to maintain breathability and character. In one reception room, we removed a modern concrete floor that was exacerbating severe damp issues and replaced it with a limecrete floor on a Glapor sub-base. This was an immensely rewarding project to be involved in—both technically challenging and deeply satisfying to see brought back to life.

Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration were appointed to design, build, and install bespoke fitted wardrobes in the attic room of this Grade II listed property. The clients needed practical storage without compromising the historic character of the home. The attic space presented several challenges, including uneven walls, sloping ceilings, and restricted headroom. All wardrobes were constructed using tulipwood for the frames—chosen for its stability, fine finish, and suitability for a painted surface. The units were carefully scribed to fit the irregularities of the room, ensuring a seamless appearance while maximising every inch of available space. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design and skilled joinery can turn an awkward corner of a listed property into a functional and elegant feature, adding both storage and value without detracting from the building’s heritage.

Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration were appointed as the main contractor for an extensive programme of conservation repairs at All Saints Church, Hopton. The church required a broad range of remedial works, each needing a sensitive and informed approach to protect its historic fabric. Prior to works commencing, we liaised closely with the parish and the inspecting architect to agree specifications, sequencing, and access arrangements, ensuring that the building remained safe and weather-tight throughout the project. The scope of work was varied: we carefully secured loose pinnacles to prevent further movement and potential damage, rebuilt areas of failing flintwork using traditional lime-rich mortars, and removed inappropriate cement pointing from the clerestory parapets. This was replaced with breathable lime pointing, allowing moisture to escape and helping to safeguard the masonry for the long term. Repairs to the oak louvres in the tower were carried out using air-dried oak, with an emphasis on retaining as much historic timber as possible while improving overall stability. Selective stone repairs and replacements were undertaken where erosion had compromised structural integrity, with new masonry carefully tooled to blend seamlessly with the existing work. This project brought together multiple conservation disciplines—stonework, carpentry, and lime mortar repairs—coordinated to ensure high standards throughout. The result is a strengthened and more resilient building, with fabric repairs completed in a way that respects the craftsmanship and character of this historic parish church. All in all, this was a deeply rewarding project to be involved with, combining technical challenges with the privilege of helping preserve a much-loved community landmark for future generations.

Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration were appointed by the PCC to undertake repairs to the north choir stalls and associated flooring. We carefully removed the pews and carried out repairs using air-dried oak. The rotten parquet flooring was lifted, and as much as possible was salvaged for reuse. Unfortunately, around 75% was beyond repair, so we manufactured new parquet from joinery-grade redwood to match the original. It was also discovered that the oak border framing the parquet had suffered severe decay. A new frame was manufactured and installed to complete the restoration.

Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration were appointed to design and construct a substantial oak-framed pergola at this beautiful property on the Suffolk–Essex border. The clients wanted to transform their terraced area into a more inviting and characterful space while maintaining the timeless aesthetic of the property. Oak was chosen as the primary material for its strength, durability, and ability to age gracefully in an outdoor setting. The pergola was entirely jointed using traditional framing methods. Mortise-and-tenon joints, housed dovetails, and side-halved and face-lap joints were carefully crafted to achieve both strength and elegance. Each joint was secured with oak pegs, draw-bored with a 3 mm offset to pull everything up tightly—eliminating the need for mechanical fixings and ensuring the structure will remain solid for generations. The build required precision from start to finish, from hand-cutting the joints in the workshop to assembling the frame on site. The result is a beautifully proportioned structure that feels both permanent and sympathetic to its surroundings. The pergola not only enhances the property visually but also provides a practical outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining—a true transformation of the terrace area.

Ben Barber Carpentry & Restoration were appointed to undertake the repair and conservation of this impressive portico at a property in Norfolk. After years of neglect, the portico had deteriorated significantly, with widespread rot affecting many of its structural and decorative elements. To ensure a proper restoration, the decision was made to carefully dismantle the entire structure. Every piece was labelled according to its location to allow for accurate reinstatement once repairs were completed. Once on the ground, it became clear that the upper sections of the portico were far beyond repair. We manufactured new architrave and cornice mouldings to match the originals precisely, steam-bending and shaping them on site to ensure a perfect fit. Further inspection revealed that the columns themselves were beginning to split apart. To address this, we carefully dismantled each column, added domino jointing for strength, and reassembled them using high-quality adhesives to restore their structural integrity without altering their appearance. The completed work preserved as much of the original fabric as possible, while ensuring the portico is once again sound, elegant, and ready to withstand the test of time. This was a challenging but highly rewarding project, combining traditional joinery skills with careful conservation practice to breathe new life into a key architectural feature of this historic property.