Building Surveys & Inspections

Tailored building condition surveys & inspections, specialising in traditional masonry & lime coatings.

Technical Conservation Advice

Independent technical and conservation advice on building conservation issues.

Repair Specifications

Detailed specifications for masonry repair, lime mortars, plaster, harl etc.

Materials Analysis & Matching

Historic building materials analysis & matching for conservation work inc. stone, mortar, plaster, harl etc.

Dampness in Traditional Buildings

Impartial advice on reported dampness problems. Need a second opinion?

On-Site Support

On-site work supervision, training, quality control & troubleshooting
Glasgow

Holmwood House

Designed by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson in 1858, Holmwood is a National Trust for Scotland property.  Our consultancy role, for John Gilbert Architects, focussed on stone and mortar analysis and specification. A combination of different mortar analysis techniques, including chemical analysis, X-ray Diffraction and Petrography was utilised to ascertain the composition of the original pozzolanic lime pointing mortars.

Saddell Bay, Kintyre

Saddell Castle

A project spanning almost eight years, in terms of our involvement, Saddell Castle has been carefully re-harled and limewashed as part of a major conservation programme for The Landmark Trust, working alongside ZM Architecture. Our role included investigation, materials analysis, specification and quality inspections throughout the works, with the exceptional masonry and limework carried out by the team at LimeRich. 

Isle of Skye

Beaton's Cottage

We were appointed by the National Trust for Scotland to advise on the appropriate treatment of the external wall finishes. Investigation was undertaken and a repair strategy proposed, with detailed specifications for removal of existing modern paint finishes, localised consolidation of the wall fabric and reinstatement of a more appropriate and compatible limewash coating.
Surrey

Clandon Park

Following the devastating 2015 fire at Clandon Park, we were appointed as specialist mortar and stone consultants by The National Trust. Our role included the investigation and detailed analysis of Clandon's historic mortars, and developing appropriate repair specifications, working closely with other specialist consultants/ craftspeople and the NT Team.

Montrose, Angus

Montrose Customs House

We were appointed by Pert Bruce Construction (on behalf of their client Montrose Port Authority) to advise on the scope and specification of stonework conservation and repairs to the Customs House, Grain Store and boundary walls forming this site. Analysis and matching of stone and mortars was undertaken to inform the specification of appropriate and compatible materials. Further information on the project on the Montrose Port Authority website.
Stirling

National Wallace Monument

We were delighted to be appointed by GVA to provide technical and conservation advice on this significant landmark.  Advice and specifications were provided on various elements of stonework conservation and repair including a flagstone roof, stone guttering, the buttressed walls at the tower base and stonework around the now-restored cast bronze William Wallace Monument. A later phase of work for Stirling Council focussed on the specification of masonry repairs to the tower by rope access methods.

George Street, Glasgow

Former Parish Council Offices

We were appointed by Ogilvie Construction to undertake a survey of the existing plasterwork (mostly original dating from 1900) on this large commercial building, currently being refurbished for integration into a new adjacent  hotel development. Representative sampling and laboratory analysis was undertaken and used to inform the specification of compatible plasterwork for repair and reinstatement.
Edinburgh

National Galleries Scotland

We were appointed by John Gilbert Architects (on behalf of their client NGS) to assist with stonework condition surveys of four significant galleries; Portrait (pictured), National, Modern One and Modern Two. In particular, we focussed on stone and mortar sampling, analysis and specifications covering the full scope of masonry repairs.

Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides

Church of Our Lady Star
of the Sea

Working with Nick Blair of ZM Architecture, we were appointed to undertake an investigation of water ingress problems to the Church, for the RC Diocese of Argyll & the Isles.
Stirling

Battle of Bannockburn Monuments

Technical and conservation advice was provided on two nationally significant post-war monuments, to Mansell Construction, on this National Trust for Scotland project. Ongoing advice, specifications, site supervision and quality control, in relation to cleaning, pointing and surface repairs to the decorative concrete block, were provided.
Govan, Glasgow

Langlands Road Tenement

Working with Elderpark Housing Association, Glasgow City Council & MAST Architects, we were appointed as stone consultants to undertake a 'stone by stone' condition survey. The high-level survey was carried out with the assistance of Andrew Bradley Stonemason.  We provided a scope of work and specification, with marked-up elevations. Removal of loose masonry, at risk of detachment, was also carried out at the time of survey.
Glenfinnan, Lochaber

Glenfinnan Monument

We were commissioned by Glyn Young Associates, on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland, to advise on patch repointing of the Monument itself and full repointing of the boundary walls. Detailed specifications and an appropriate methodology were provided   
"Craig's in depth knowledge and understanding in respect of traditional building conservation methods and materials is an invaluable resource to my business and the longevity of my repairs to our built heritage."
Richard Fraser, LIMERICH
"I would highly recommend Frew Conservation after a very positive and valuable experience I had...Not only is the level of expertise very high, but Craig Frew himself is a friendly and most approachable individual."
J C O'Boyle, BUILDING OWNER
"Craig was a very good help for me as a site manager when ever I ran in to technical problems! Very knowledgeable and able to explain things for us to carry out the job to a high standard."
Hans Norling, MASONRY & LIME

"Thank you for your work on the assessment and report. It was very clear and easy to understand with very clear directions on how to proceed."

Joseph Verrecchia

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH

EAST KILBRIDE