HISTORIC BUILDING CONSULTANCY
Building Surveys & Inspections
Tailored building condition surveys & inspections, specialising in traditional masonry & lime coatings.
Technical Conservation Advice
Independent technical and conservation advice on building conservation issues.
Repair Specifications
Detailed specifications for masonry repair, lime mortars, plaster, harl etc.
Materials Analysis & Matching
Historic building materials analysis & matching for conservation work inc. stone, mortar, plaster, harl etc.
Dampness in Traditional Buildings
Impartial advice on reported dampness problems. Need a second opinion?
On-Site Support
On-site work supervision, training, quality control & troubleshooting
Wanlockhead Village, Dumfries & Galloway
Museum of Lead Mining
Straitsteps Cottage is one of three traditional properties in the care of the Museum of Lead Mining. We have been working with the Trust, ZM Architecture & Andrew Bradley Stonemason to renew the external lime finishes, repair the roofs and external joinery, Our consultancy role focussed on mortar analysis and specification, in what is a very wet, windy and frosty environment. The photograph illustrates the works nearing completion in June 2024.
Saddell Bay, Kintyre
Saddell Castle
We were appointed by the Landmark Trust to undertake a detailed assessment of the masonry fabric and harling condition, to guide future conservation work. A detailed visual survey was undertaken in parallel with an Infrared Thermography survey, working jointly with Bill Revie (Buildings Pathologist) of CMC. Extensive mortar/harling sampling was undertaken. Recommendations and specifications were provided. Trial sample panels of the proposed specification were then executed (by Harper & Allan Masonry).
Isle of Skye
Beaton's Cottage
We were appointed by the National Trust for Scotland to advise on the appropriate treatment of the external wall finishes. Investigation was undertaken and a repair strategy proposed, with detailed specifications for removal of existing modern paint finishes, localised consolidation of the wall fabric and reinstatement of a more appropriate and compatible limewash coating.
Yell, Shetland Islands
Windhouse
A detailed survey of this ruined (and allegedly haunted) building was undertaken jointly with Steve Wood (Structural Engineer) of David Narro Associates. Advice was provided on the consolidation of the building fabric, which is to be retained as a ruin, to make it safe. We undertook sampling and analysis of mortars/harling and developed the masonry consolidation and repair specifications, in the context of the structural interventions.
Montrose, Angus
Montrose Customs House
We were appointed by Pert Bruce Construction (on behalf of their client Montrose Port Authority) to advise on the scope and specification of stonework conservation and repairs to the Customs House, Grain Store and boundary walls forming this site. Analysis and matching of stone and mortars was undertaken to inform the specification of appropriate and compatible materials. Further information on the project on the Montrose Port Authority website.
Stirling
National Wallace Monument
We were delighted to be appointed by GVA to provide technical and conservation advice on this signficant landmark. Advice and specifications were provided on various elements of stonework conservation and repair including a flagstone roof, stone guttering, the buttressed walls at the tower base and stonework around the now-restored cast bronze William Wallace Monument.
George Street, Glasgow
Former Parish Council Offices
We were appointed by Ogilvie Construction to undertake a survey of the existing plasterwork (mostly original dating from 1900) on this large commercial building, currently being refurbished for integration into a new adjacent hotel development. Representative sampling and laboratory analysis was undertaken and used to inform the specification of compatible plasterwork for repair and reinstatement.
Fettercairn, Aberdeenshire
Fasque House
We undertook an investigation and assessment of original and early external coatings to Fasque House, to support a Listed Building Consent application for reinstatement of an appropriate external render. We identified and examined/analysed two separate phases of external coating; the original lime:sand coatings and a later 'Roman cement' render coating.
Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides
Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea
Working with Nick Blair of ZM Architecture, we were appointed to undertake an investigation of water ingress problems to the Church, for the RC Diocese of Argyll & the Isles.
Stirling
Battle of Bannockburn Monuments
Technical and conservation advice was provided on two nationally significant post-war monuments, to Mansell Construction, on this National Trust for Scotland project. Ongoing advice, specifications, site supervision and quality control, in relation to cleaning, pointing and surface repairs to the decorative concrete block, were provided.
Govan, Glasgow
Langlands Road Tenement
Working with Elderpark Housing Association, Glasgow City Council & MAST Architects, we were appointed as stone consultants to undertake a 'stone by stone' condition survey. The high-level survey was carried out with the assistance of Andrew Bradley Stonemason. We provided a scope of work and specification, with marked-up elevations. Removal of loose masonry, at risk of detachment, was also carried out at the time of survey.
Glenfinnan, Lochaber
Glenfinnan Monument
We were commissioned by Glyn Young Associates, on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland, to advise on patch repointing of the Monument itself and full repointing of the boundary walls. Detailed specifications and an appropriate methodology were provided
"Craig's in depth knowledge and understanding in respect of traditional building conservation methods and materials is an invaluable resource to my business and the longevity of my repairs to our built heritage."
Richard Fraser, LIMERICH
"I would highly recommend Frew Conservation after a very positive and valuable experience I had...Not only is the level of expertise very high, but Craig Frew himself is a friendly and most approachable individual."
J C O'Boyle, BUILDING OWNER
"Craig was a very good help for me as a site manager when ever I ran in to technical problems! Very knowledgeable and able to explain things for us to carry out the job to a high standard."
Hans Norling, MASONRY & LIME
"Thank you for the detailed, comprehensive reports and the mortar analysis. It never ceases to amaze me how varied and interesting peoples vocations are."
K L, TRUSTEE,
MUSEUM OF LEAD MINING