Experts in Historic Building Conservation
ABOUT US
Evans Conservation is a Kent based company specialising in the conservation of historic buildings. We use traditional skills and materials to conserve our cultural heritage.
Conserving and carrying out repairs to historic buildings requires an in-depth understanding of how the building was originally constructed and an ability to identify and understand the changes which have been made over time. Applying our broad experience and deep expertise to your home we discover and reveal the unique story of your building through time. Our detailed knowledge of traditional methods and materials enables us to specify works and carry out repairs which continue and support the long history of your building and make sure that your chapter in their story is a great one!
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Sympathetic Repair – by understanding how your building was originally constructed and of course any subsequent historical repairs we can make sure that the appropriate materials are used and used correctly.
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Environmental Controls – the vast majority of ‘problems’ in historic buildings are caused by poor workmanship or use of inappropriate materials which result from a lack of understanding. These problems are easily remedied by understanding how traditional buildings were designed so that the building fabric can be preserved without resorting to chemical treatments.
Continued Support – Our passion for what we do goes beyond just ‘finishing the job’; we take responsibility for the future well-being of your building and our heritage. We aim to leave you confident and comfortable with a deepened understanding of your historic building yet at the same time offer ongoing support, consultancy and maintenance schedules.
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‘Much more than just bricks and mortar…
it's a story waiting to be told…’
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Part of the thrill of owning an historic building is gradually learning about and discovering the unique story of your home. Bringing our experience, expertise and enthusiasm to the process of joining and assisting you in digging deeper into the uniqueness of your home and its place in our history.
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From discovering the more obvious historical features such as structural alterations and historic additions right down to the smaller details of carpenter’s marks, re-used timbers and traditional tool marks every building is full of clues telling it’s own individual story.
Our Workshop
Back at our workshop we have everything we need to cut and machine timber for projects of all sizes. From large timbers for structural repairs, pre-fabricated frames, windows, doors and custom joinery. Having taken measurements for your project on site we can make bespoke units at our premises ready to bring to site and install with the minimum disruption to you and your home.
OUR TEAM
With a highly trained and skilled workforce, we are able to offer a wide range of services across the south east. We use traditional skills and materials to undertake minor and major, conservation and restoration works.
BRETT EVANS
Director
Brett Evans had an early start to his career in building conservation, when he enrolled in a furniture making course in 1998. He was fascinated by the traditional skills element of furniture making and wanted to learn more.
This directed Brett toward a BA degree in Built Heritage Conservation at Canterbury Christ Church University. Upon graduating, Brett went to work for one of his course tutors as a traditional carpenter and conservator. Here he learned many new skills, including traditional carpentry and timber framing, joinery, architectural drawing, lime plastering and repointing.
Brett continued his studies at the Weald and Downland Museum, where he enrolled on their Msc course in Timber Building Conservation. An in-depth course looking at specific issues relating to traditional timber construction and repair, using traditional tools and techniques.
Brett formed Evans Conservation in 2016, since then him and his team have worked for a variety of private clients and large organisations. His main goal is always to preserve and protect our built cultural heritage for generations to come.
JAMES O'DONOVAN
Director
James started carpentry by managing a carpenters workshop for the National Trust. This was part of his role as an estate warden. The workshop produced all manner of goods such as gates and furniture from the national trusts own reserves of timber.
He went on to study furniture making at the London School of Furniture and gained an Advanced City of Guilds in Furniture Making.
After study he happily chanced upon work in building conservation and has stayed in the field for 18 years. he worked on a variety of historic properties from large Wealden halls to Georgian town houses and Victorian semis. during this work he gained an understanding of traditional building techniques and technologies. While working he gained an MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment with Reading University.
The craft of building and in particular with wood has interested James from the time he first came into contact with an oak framed house. The patina and tool marks still present on the frame tell of the labour and skill given to create a building of such longevity. It is this connection to the past and the continuity of the craft that drives James to ensure these buildings survive for the next generations.