This is an ongoing project for Historic
Scotland TCRE to assess and
develop techniques using living plants to conserve masonry. Fascinating,
ground-breaking research, it combines the sister disciplines of nature
and building conservation.
Soft cappings can reduce moisture ingress and thermal flux, inhibiting
masonry decay by surface erosion, leaching of soluble binders and freeze/thaw
cycles. There can also be ecological, aesthetic, sustainability and
financial benefits.
Our 2 volume report is now online here and will soon be available to download. We continue to develop practical applications, such as Smailholm Tower.
We welcome contact from anyone with experience or interest in this
field.