Everything Under The Sun: Bringing Life Back To An Older Island Home

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Bringing Life Back To An Older Island Home

A brickworker recreating steps based on period designs.

Ever wonder how some of those older dwellings on an island nation, such as Jamaica, come to be in such pristine condition, shining in brilliant colors? In some cases, it can take a lot of work, especially if that older building has sunk into a state of disrepair. That's where an organization like FALMOUTH HERITAGE RENEWAL (FHR) focuses its efforts. By repairing and reviving older buildings in a state of disrepair, this organization helps to brighten up the community, provides comfortable dwellings for citizens, trains youth in job skills, and preserves area historical heritage, since some buildings are more than two hundred years old.

One of the largest projects that they have undertaken is the restoration of an historic home at 6 King Street. This project was so large that it utilized an entire team of master craftsmen and apprentices to preserve in minute detail the historic features of this house. Before work was able to start, FHR sent experts to evaluate the structure, building techniques, and various architectural features. They were able to place the first phase, under the large hip roof, as dating from the period 1815 to 1835.

As more detailed assessments were made when more areas of the building became exposed, it was determined that structural integrity was already compromised. That meant a painstaking process of dismantling sections of the building entirely, utilizing pieces that were intact and reconstructing pieces that were damaged. By using photographic evidence and written documented plans, plus measuring the building before tear-down, the team was assisted in the process of reconstruction.

As with any effort that goes through a process of dismantling the old structure, pieces had to be labelled meticulously, so that the undamaged pieces could be returned to their places in the reassembled structure. It was found that out of 15 original windows, only three needed complete reconstruction due to damage or missing sashes. From a total of 16 doors, only three needed complete replacement from damage or being missing. Actually most of the doors surprised the team by being in good condition and requiring minimal work.

6 King Street was in a state of disrepair before the start of reconstruction.

Interestingly, the timber used in the damaged areas came from another home from the same period that had to be demolished. So, all of the wood still comes from the same time period, but now represents the legacy of two different homes.