Project Details

Axis successfully delivered this grade 2 listed building repairs project on behalf of The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. The works involved internal and external refurbishments and structural repairs to an iconic Georgian property, The Doll’s House, at 5 Field Court, Gray’s Inn. The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn is one of the four Inns of Court in London to which barristers of England and Wales belong and where they are called to the Bar.  

Our specialist heritage team completed all repairs in keeping with the 18th-century building’s traditional design. We selected all of the materials very carefully because of the need to protect the building’s original features from pollutants and weathering. Internal and external decorations included the repair and treatment of metalwork. This came alongside rendered surfaces and concrete sills, and the restoration of wooden doors and sash windows, prior to full redecoration of all previously coated surfaces. 

External works within the listed building included fully stripping and re-tiling the roof. Again, our team did this with carefully selected slate which matched the previous material. We propped structural timbers and replaced them because of substantial water penetration. The exposed roof boards were assessed and treated for decay. Our team selected high-performance thermal insulation because we wanted to maximise thermal efficiency within the restricted space. Alongside this, we finished the building with asphalt-lined gutters and new lead detailing for the dormer windows. 

The team maintained and enhanced the building’s traditional character with the introduction of new lead coverings. We applied these to the parapet line on the north and south elevations. Following repairs, our team carefully restored ceilings using traditional lath and plaster techniques so they were in line with the period of the building. 

Project Feedback

Our project management team had to make accommodations throughout the grade 2 listed building repairs. This was to ensure the important legal proceedings that take place on-site daily could go ahead without disturbance. Our client gave a testimonial to evidence the great work that was undertaken during this project, Mark Chisholm BSc (Hons) MSc Estates Department said, “I thought it appropriate that I should pass on my thanks to Carla Piedade (Site Manager) and her team for the exceptional care and professionalism shown, during what at times was a very challenging project, completed whilst the property was occupied.”

Read about more of our heritage projects, here.

“Thanks to Site Manager and her team for the exceptional care and professionalism shown, during a very challenging project, completed whilst the property was occupied”