Church Conversion Doorway
A new doorway formed where a window had been, as part of the conversion of a church into a family home.
The brief
The owners are turning a church into their home, which meant opening up a window into a doorway. The new opening had to work as an entrance and still look like it belonged to the building — not like something cut into it.
What we did
- Took templates from the existing openings so the new work would match
- Cut the new stone to the profiles already on the building
- Formed the opening down from the window and fixed the new surround
- Pointed up in a matched lime mortar
The result
A doorway that reads as part of the church rather than an alteration to it — new where it has to be, and indistinguishable where it doesn't.
Questions about this kind of work
Why use lime mortar instead of cement?
Older and traditionally-built stone needs to breathe. Cement traps moisture against the stone, which leads to damp and accelerated decay. Breathable lime mortar lets moisture move out of the wall and stays softer than the stone, so it’s the mortar that weathers rather than the masonry. We match the mix to the building.
Do you work on listed and historic buildings?
Yes. We carry out stone and masonry works to listed and historic buildings, planned and documented to suit conservation requirements, and we’re happy to work alongside your architect, surveyor or conservation officer.
How do you price and scope work?
Clearly. You get a scope that sets out exactly what is included and what is not, so there are no nasty surprises at the end. If something needs to change once the work is opened up, we tell you before we do it.
How do I get a quote?
Get in touch with a few details — and photos if you have them — and we’ll arrange to come and see the work. Quotes are free and come with a clear scope of what’s included, along with a note of anything that might change once the work is opened up. Send us your details to get started.
How long will the work take?
It depends on the job and the weather — lime work in particular needs the right conditions to cure properly. We’ll give you a realistic timescale with the quote and keep you updated as the work progresses.