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16 Church Row

Repair & Redecoration

Tucked away on Church Row, this historic property has witnessed centuries of change while retaining its understated character. Buildings of this type form the fabric of historic streetscapes, less monumental than landmarks, but no less important in defining a place and its sense of continuity.

At 16 Church Row, time and weather had taken their toll. The challenge was not to reinvent the building, but to protect its integrity and ensure it could continue to stand comfortably within its historic setting.

Client
16 Church Row
Dates
Until 2024
Location
London
Grade listing
Grade II
Fabric
Brick

A Shared Respect for the Original

DBR was commissioned to deliver a comprehensive programme of restoration and repair, working with a clear brief: to breathe new life into the property while preserving its original character. This shared understanding shaped every decision, from materials selection to the level of intervention applied across the building.

The project required a careful, considered approach, one that balanced structural necessity with visual restraint.

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Small Details, Big Impact

While the building itself is modest in scale, the scope of works was wide-ranging. Externally, essential structural repairs were carried out to brickwork and rendered surfaces, ensuring long-term stability. Windows and doors received focused attention, with repairs to timber joinery and full redecoration of all previously painted features, quiet improvements that significantly enhance both appearance and durability.

The roof and chimneys were repaired, and all gutters and rainwater goods were fully serviced to restore effective drainage and protect the building from future weathering.

To the rear elevation, windows and shutters across multiple levels were carefully prepared and painted, contributing to a cohesive and refreshed appearance throughout.

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Strengthening What Was Already There

Internally, DBR undertook sensitive structural repairs before completing redecoration and finishing works to bring the interior back to a high standard, without erasing the character built up over time.

A key element of the project involved strengthening the building’s structure through the careful consolidation of original brickwork. A damaged pier was rebuilt using appropriately sourced materials, ensuring compatibility with the existing fabric and maintaining the building’s historic integrity.

Every technical intervention was designed to be discreet, effective, and respectful of the original construction.

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Craft in Brick, Timber, and Stone

Craftsmanship underpinned every stage of the works. In the garden, DBR carried out detailed brick and stone repairs, including the rebuilding of an arch, re-bedding of steps, and the resetting of coping stones. These improvements restored both function and visual clarity to the outdoor spaces.

Timber elements on the front elevation were repaired and redecorated, enhancing the building’s presence within the street while retaining its original proportions and detailing.

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The project ended with a pristine site and a renewed building, its character preserved. At 16 Church Row, DBR’s careful craftsmanship ensures the historic structure continues contributing to the street’s story.