Renovation of 16th Century Moated Hall, Norfolk

This 16th Century moated hall has experienced several alterations throughout its history.  An accumulation of minor adaptations over time had gradually changed the building’s layout and appearance over time. More recently the house was cement rendered, which can prohibit the ability for an old building to ‘breathe’, which is especially important for timber-framed construction.  Modern cement renders also lack the flexibility of more traditional lime-based products and so, inevitably, the cement render had cracked over time which had allowed water to penetrate the walls and rot the timber frame.   

Our clients decided to undertake significant repairs to the building which included stripping off the cement render, repairing the timber frame and upgrading the walls with breathable insulation as part of a wider package of retrofit works, which would work with the building, rather than against it, whilst helping an historic house to function as a modern home. Analysis of the timber frame allowed windows to be reinstated in their original positions, and for the elevations to be made symmetrical again.  The cement render was replaced with lime render on wood fibre carrier boards, allowing the timber frame to breathe and move.  Additional insulation improves the overall thermal performance.

Working with the local conservation officer, we explored options for adding modern living spaces to the hall in a way that preserved the character the original hall.  In the end a sympathetic orangery was added to one end, which improved the interior layout whilst offering views over the moat and fields beyond. A separate oak-framed building was constructed on the other side of the moat which provides ancillary space for a home office and gym.  This new building forms a ‘pair’ with the neighbouring cart lodge, which helps to enhance the symmetry and grandeur of the hall itself.