Historic buildings are a connection to the past and a way of preserving culture. Their restoration requires specialized trade skills and preservation approaches that are often associated with traditional materials.
Modern elements may need to be incorporated in restorations, which can add a striking aesthetic. However, balancing the needs of the structure and maintaining its historical integrity can be challenging.
Mud
Mud is a thick liquid or semi-solid substance made from clays, loams, silts or sands that have been saturated with water. Mud is found throughout the world and is formed by rainfall or near water sources. Geological mud deposits have hardened to become sedimentary rock known as shale or mudstone (generally called lutites).
Mud brick is the most common building material in much of the world and has been used for thousands of years. It is cheap, versatile and performs well thermally and acoustically. It is also environmentally responsible, as it uses a base soil that may otherwise not be suitable for construction and takes little energy to use.
When mud bricks are used, they are typically formed in moulds and left to dry. This process can take a long time, and mud bricks are very fragile when wet. However, with a good passive design and a high-strung structure (such as a lintel made from timber) mud bricks can be very sturdy and long lasting.
The biggest problem with excavated mud brick structures is their vulnerability to bad weather. Mud walls do not stand up well to humidity and can be degraded rapidly, particularly if the mud mortar is damaged. To prevent this, a small earth levee must be created around the walls to keep rainwater fl owing away from them.
Steel
Steel is a common material that’s found all over the world. It’s in the pots and pans we use, the buildings that hold us up, and even the cars we drive. Steel is also extremely versatile, and a wide variety of different grades are available. These are determined by analyzing the concentration of iron and carbon and the presence of other alloying elements.
The ability to adapt steel to any building’s structure and requirements is why it’s so popular as a commercial building material. Metal buildings are energy-efficient, durable, and more cost-effective over time than traditional structures. Additionally, they’re easier to renovate or add on to, which is important for businesses that grow and expand.
However, steel isn’t without its challenges. Despite its durability, corrosion and fatigue can weaken its load-bearing capacity. If this happens, structural collapses or further deterioration could occur. To ensure the integrity of a building, it’s essential to have a comprehensive restoration plan that includes maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation.
Fired Brick
Brick is a material that can be used to achieve many aesthetic, structural and performance characteristics. It is composed of clay-based materials that are pressed or extruded and fired to form a masonry unit. Different firing temperatures and raw material compositions lead to differences in brick properties and aesthetics.
The durability of brick is well known and it has long been used as a construction material. It is an insulator against temperature fluctuations and provides a barrier to noise and moisture penetration. It also provides great structural strength with minimal expansion and contraction due to varying temperatures.
Fire bricks are a specific type of brick designed for high-temperature environments and applications. They typically contain a higher percentage of alumina (fireclay) than standard building brick. They are available in a wide range of thicknesses, shapes and sizes. They are also available with various surface textures, colors and finishes, allowing for a variety of visual and functional characteristics.
Often times, when working with old brick, it can be difficult to find replacement materials that are as durable or compatible as the original material. This can be particularly true with earth (unfired) masonry materials such as cob, adobe or mud-bricks. These materials require specific grouts and mortars that can withstand their high-temperatures and other unique attributes. However, re-using these materials as part of a restoration project can provide the opportunity to learn about these materials and the unique qualities they offer.
Stone
Stone is a versatile and natural material that can be used for both functional and decorative purposes. It can be found in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and textures. It is a beautiful and durable building material that can be used for exterior walls, interior floors, and stairways. It can also be carved and sculpted to create unique architectural features.
Stone structures are resilient and can be built to last for centuries with little maintenance. However, a stone building may require regular inspection to identify damage or deterioration. When damage is detected, it is important to differentiate between structural and decorative materials in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
A stone structure can be restored in a number of ways including cleaning, sandblasting, and chemical treatments. The most important consideration when restoring stone is to find a method that will restore the original aesthetic of the building.
Research demonstrates that people prefer spaces with organic and biomorphic forms. These are shapes that appear to resemble living things and can be curved, patterned, textured or numerically arranged. The occurrence of these shapes in the natural environment encourages cognitive and psychological interaction with the space. Using these patterns and designs in buildings is a great way to create a biophilic space that feels interesting, relaxing, comfortable, contemplative or absorptive.