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Floor Installation in a 16th-Century House in Cookham
We were privileged to work on a unique project in a stunning 16th-century home located in Cookham, owned by an architect with a keen eye for both historical preservation and modern design. The goal of this renovation was to update a specific area of the home to accommodate a handmade kitchen. The space required not only a modern update but also the ability to preserve the property’s historic character. Achieving a perfectly level surface for the kitchen installation was the main priority, but the approach had to be in line with the age of the home and the client’s vision.
Client’s Needs:
The client, an architect, had recently decided to replace the old floor to make way for a bespoke kitchen that would reflect both functionality and craftsmanship. The floor had to be perfectly level to support the handmade kitchen, which was carefully designed to complement the property’s unique character. However, the house’s age and the unevenness of the existing flooring presented a challenge. The client was also concerned about preserving the original charm of the home, even as they made modern improvements to the space.
Project Scope:
- Location: Cookham, UK
- Project Type: Floor installation for a modern kitchen in a historically significant home.
- Key Requirements:
- A perfectly level floor to accommodate a handmade kitchen.
- Maintain the integrity and character of the 16th-century home.
- Use high-quality materials and techniques that would ensure the floor was stable and long-lasting.
- Address challenges caused by the movement and age of the building’s subfloor.
Challenges Faced:
The home, with its centuries-old foundations, had settled and moved over time, causing uneven surfaces and potentially unstable flooring. This meant that simply laying new tiles would not suffice; the floor needed to be prepared properly to ensure that the new kitchen would sit on a stable, level foundation.
Additionally, the process had to be carried out with care, given the home’s age. We had to ensure that no irreversible changes were made to the original structure, respecting the architectural integrity of the property.
Solutions Provided:
- Floor Levelling:
The first step was to address the uneven floor. We carefully assessed the area and determined that the most effective solution would be to use a high-performance levelling compound. This compound was applied to ensure a perfectly flat surface that would be able to support the weight of the new kitchen. Given the age of the building, we also took extra care to prevent any future instability.
- Anticoupling Membrane Installation:
To protect the floor from any future movement in the subfloor, we installed an anticoupling membrane. This membrane acts as a buffer, allowing for slight movement in the subfloor without causing cracking or damage to the newly laid tiles. The use of the anticoupling membrane ensures that the floor will remain intact over time, even if the building continues to settle or shift.
- Tile Selection and Installation:
For the flooring itself, the customer carefully selected tiles that would both fit the aesthetic of the home and meet the practical requirements of the kitchen space. The chosen tiles were durable enough to handle high foot traffic and the demands of a kitchen, yet they complemented the historic charm of the home. After the levelling and membrane installation, we laid the tiles with precision, ensuring that each one was securely fixed in place.
- Attention to Detail and Quality Control:
Throughout the process, we maintained strict quality control. We ensured that every aspect of the floor was up to the highest standard, from the levelling compound to the final tile layout. Each tile was meticulously placed, with special attention given to the alignment and grout lines to create a cohesive and seamless look.
Outcome:
The result was a beautifully level floor, perfectly prepared to support the client’s handmade kitchen. The tiles, which were chosen to suit the historical nature of the home, were installed with precision, providing a modern yet timeless look. The anticoupling membrane worked flawlessly to prevent any potential damage from future movement in the subfloor.
The client was delighted with the final outcome. Not only did the new floor provide the perfect base for their handmade kitchen, but it also complemented the property’s historic charm, blending modern style with traditional elegance.
By using advanced levelling techniques and high-quality materials, including the anticoupling membrane, we were able to offer the client a floor that would not only meet the immediate needs of the kitchen installation but also provide lasting durability and protection against future issues.
If you’re planning a similar renovation or need expert assistance with floor preparation and installation, contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a historic home or a modern space, we have the experience and expertise to deliver results that exceed expectations.