Handcrafted Brick Replacement

Timeline

• June 2020: S2e are called in

• Summer/autumn 2020: surveys, tendering and listed building approval

• December 2020: work begins

• February 2022: completion

The Issue – A Historic Challenge

Nechells Primary occupies a beautiful Victorian building with an impressive soaring tower, but brick facings on two elevations were starting to crumble, sending pieces tumbling to the ground from considerable height. Glass was also starting to slip in our sash windows.

This was an evident danger both to children beneath, and to those using a public footpath overlooked by one elevation.

S2e drew up a schedule for repairs and repointing, went out to tender on our behalf and advised on choosing experienced craftspeople to do the work.

The Solution – Bespoke Skill

S2e put up protective scaffolding to catch falling debris, achieved conservation planning approval then supervised the bespoke programme:

• Lime mortar had to be specially made

• Special moulds were required for replacement corbal and quoin bricks

• Bricks were custom manufactured at a kiln in Kenilworth

• Listed timber window sashes were replaced

• New hand-carved stoneheads were installed above windows

• Fibre louvres in the tower were replaced with natural slate.

The Outcome 

The school looks fabulous! Drone footage shows the contrast between the initial ugly dark brickwork with crumbling mortar and our new bright building with pristine bricks and gorgeous windows. Local people love it too – and S2e even repainted the original BOYS and GIRLS signs at the request of a resident who was a pupil at Nechells 40 years ago!

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