There have been times in our history when concealing the construction choices of previous generations was not only common but also fashionable.
As trends and tastes change, so too do building requirements, and the modern desire for fast-build techniques means that more and more of our traditional building methods and materials are being left behind and historically significant builds are being neglected.
There are good reasons for wanting to protect our architectural heritage and invest in renovating older buildings. Many older properties, particularly those built before the Second World War, tend to be constructed from high-quality materials that will stand the test of time far longer than their modern counterparts.
Heritage work also taps into the value and emotional connection that classic design values can bring, the warm feeling of seeing something beautiful, crafted with love, skill and care. People are drawn to these buildings because they represent our cultural history and offer a link to a slower, more considered way of life. Even in a world surrounded by technology, with everything moving at an ever-rapid pace, heritage work gives people an anchor.
At LJT, we are passionate about working on heritage projects, holding up a mirror to the past and applying the same respect and care to the work as was shown when it was originally built. Every project brings its own set of challenges, and none are ever the same, but that’s part of what we love.
These projects give our team the opportunity to flex their creative muscles and pay homage to the craftspeople who came before. Whether it’s restoring traditional joinery, reviving hidden architectural detail, or finding ways to integrate modern functionality without losing the soul of a building, it’s work that we’re proud to do.
Two of our most recent heritage projects, Richmond Railway Station ticket office and Ewell West Station House, are fine examples of where modern building techniques meet traditional design and materials.
For those unfamiliar with the station, Richmond is a beautiful example of 1930s Art Deco architecture, constructed from distinctive Portland stone and originally filled with the design hallmarks of its era. Sadly, much of its original character had been hidden over the years behind 1960s facades and modern cladding.
Working on behalf of South Western Rail Ltd and alongside the team from Benedict O’Looney Architects, our project was to help restore the booking hall to its former glory. This included exposing and reviving the original 1937 timber and green glass frieze that runs around the interior of the station.
Following an initial inspection, it became clear that many of the original features concealed by later modifications were in remarkably good condition. With some careful repairs and a French polish, they could be brought back to life.
However, not everything had survived intact. The internal corners of the frieze were missing and needed to be recreated with precision. We templated one of the existing corners and used this to craft new solid mahogany blocks. These were then carefully fitted into the gaps by cutting back the fascia and applying traditional finishing methods to blend them in seamlessly.
Lighting was also key to recapturing the 1930s Art Deco atmosphere. A large number of the original Holophane glass diffusers beneath the frieze were still in place but in need of serious restoration. Where panes were missing or too damaged to be reused, we sourced modern alternatives that closely matched the originals.
The result is transformative. A warm, ambient glow now surrounds the perimeter of the booking hall, complemented by period-accurate signage that transports visitors back to a bygone era.
Ewell West Station House was a different kind of heritage proposition, perhaps not as grand in scale as Richmond, but equally important from an architectural heritage perspective. Originally built in 1857, the station house would have been the residence of the station manager and had sat abandoned for over two decades.
South Western Railway Ltd commissioned us to refurbish the Grade II listed building to make it habitable once again. The goal was to restore and retain as many original features as possible, while sensitively introducing modern amenities in the kitchen and bathroom.
After a full strip-out, we lifted the original floorboards to install insulation and raise the EPC rating closer to modern standards. When we removed the 1960s and 1970s boarding from the fireplaces, we discovered a lovely mix of Victorian and Art Deco fireplace surrounds that simply needed a bit of tile matching and attention to detail.
The original sash windows, a defining feature of any period property, were carefully repaired, reweighted and restrung, preserving the original glass throughout, including the fluted panel in the front door.
The existing Victorian-style internal doors, skirting and architraves were all retained. Where needed, we repaired or replaced elements to match the existing profiles exactly, keeping the building’s character intact at every turn.
The most technically demanding part of the restoration was repairing the original lath and plaster walls and ceilings. This traditional method, which has lasted more than a hundred years, required careful sourcing of oak laths and the use of lime plaster to maintain breathability. In some areas, we found evidence of coarse animal hair, in this case, goat, historically used in the mix to add flexibility and prevent cracking. These methods have far outlasted many modern equivalents and remain part of what gives the building its integrity and charm.
What we’ve most enjoyed about these projects is the opportunity to look back and understand what went before, and to bring that forward into the present in a meaningful way. Each building has a story, shaped by those who built, used and altered it over time.
Our role is to respectfully restore that story while giving the building everything it needs to thrive for another hundred years. Through a careful blend of traditional methods and modern functionality, we aim to ensure that every project not only honours the past but remains relevant for the future.
At LJT, we make the process straightforward, collaborative, and transparent from start to finish.
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