Heritage Tiling at South Ormsby Hall Restoration

When it comes to breathing new life into historic gems, few projects capture the essence of careful craftsmanship quite like the ongoing restoration at South Ormsby Hall in Lincolnshire. This Grade II* listed 18th-century Palladian masterpiece, originally designed by architect James Paine, is set for a transformative revival that honours its roots while embracingmodern needs. As specialist tiling contractors with a national reach from our Greater London base, ABM Tiling is proud to partner on this prestigious endeavour, delivering tailored solutions that blend authenticity with durability.

Nestled in the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, South Ormsby Hall represents a cornerstone of the broader estate regeneration. Under the guidance of custodians Jon and Jan Thornes, the initiative focuses on restoring the hall to its original grandeur, complete with structural reinforcements, roof reshaping to include a classic Palladian pediment, and updates to essential systems for enhanced safety and sustainability. The surrounding 150 acres of parkland will also see thoughtful enhancements, such as a new boathouse and bird hide, drawing from historical drawings to preserve the landscape's timeless appeal. While the hall remains a private residence in part, plans include converting sections into holiday lets and office spaces, with occasional public tours on the horizon.

Project Insights: A Blend of History and Modern Expertise

At the heart of this restoration lies a commitment to sympathetic upgrades that respect the building's heritage status. The project team, including conservation architects like Marcus Beale, is tackling everything from rot-affected beams to outdatedelectrics and heating. For main contractors overseeing such intricate works, reliability in specialist trades is key – and that's where ABM Tiling steps in. Our involvement centres on the lower ground floor apartments and communal areas, wherewe're installing a range of flooring and wall finishes designed to withstand time while echoing the hall's 18th-century charm.

Drawing from detailed specifications, our scope includes laying new stone slabs in key spaces like living rooms, kitchens,and inner halls, sealed with breathable Lithofin for long-term protection. In utility areas and entrances, we're relaying and making good existing brick floors with handmade red clay bricks from trusted suppliers, assuming a mix of salvaged and new materials to maintain consistency. For wet rooms and bathrooms, anti-slip porcelain tiles in generous formats ensuresafety without compromising aesthetics. These elements aren't just functional; they're integral to creating spaces that feel both historic and habitable.

One standout aspect is the careful integration of underfloor heating (UFH) beneath new slabs, requiring precise preparation on limecrete bases. We're also handling salvaged quarry tiles in living areas – cleaning, re-grouting, and sealing them withallowances for minor replacements – alongside ceramic wall tiles in WCs for a seamless finish. This approach minimises disruption while maximising authenticity, a hallmark of our work on listed properties.

ABM Tiling: Specialist Heritage Tiling Restorers

As heritage tiling contractors, we bring our experience to projects like South Ormsby Hall, ensuring every installation aligns with conservation guidelines. Our team excels in working with diverse materials, from natural stone slabs and handmade clay bricks to porcelain and ceramic options, all sourced through established partnerships. For instance, wecollaborate with The Bulmer Brick and Tile Company for those authentic red clay floor bricks, Domus for high-performanceanti-slip porcelain, and others like Quorn Stone and Aldershaw for specialised ceramics and terracotta.

What sets us apart for main contractors? It's our focus on precision and partnership. We handle everything from bedding onnatural hydraulic lime mortar to incorporating movement joints every 10 linear metres, reviewed on-site for optimal placement. In rooms like sunrooms and utilities, we're using stretcher or herringbone bonds to match existing patterns, with grouts brushed for a subtle, period-appropriate look. This level of detail ensures timelines stay on track, budgets arerespected, and the final result enhances the overall build quality.

For projects of this scale, scalability is crucial. Operating nationally from Greater London, we adapt to site-specific challenges, such as coordinating with structural insertions or new partitions. Our expertise extends to tile backer boards like Schluter Kerdi for bathroom linings, providing waterproof integrity behind fixtures. Main contractors value this because reduces risks and streamlines handover – no surprises, just superior finishes that stand the test of time.

Why Main Contractors Choose ABM for Heritage Projects

Partnering with ABM Tiling means gaining a collaborator who understands the demands of heritage restorations. In Lincolnshire's South Ormsby Hall, for example, our role supports the broader vision of creating heritage apartments that feel luxurious yet true to their origins. We prioritise breathable sealants and compatible adhesives to prevent moisture issues in historic fabrics, drawing directly from project specs to avoid any misalignment. Key benefits for contractors include:

• Expert Material Matching:

  • Salvaging and integrating existing bricks or tiles to preserve character, with new elements blending seamlessly.

• Compliance and Care:

  • Adhering to NBS specifications for everything from joint widths to slip resistance, ensuring safety in high-traffic areas.

• Efficient Workflows:

  • From self-levelling screeds under porcelain to vapour control layers beneath refitted oak boards, we integrate with UFH and insulation without compromising heritage integrity.

• Nationwide Reach:

  • Based in Greater London but equipped for projects across the UK, like this one in the Wolds.

This project exemplifies how thoughtful tiling can elevate a restoration, turning functional spaces into inviting ones. Whether it's the oak-panelled entrances or vaulted ceilings in utilities, our installations contribute to a cohesive narrative.

Looking Ahead: Partner with ABM Tiling

As South Ormsby Hall progresses towards completion in the coming years, we're excited about the role our tiling plays in its revival. For main contractors planning similar heritage or large-scale works, ABM Tiling offers the expertise to deliver exceptional results. Explore more about this project on our dedicated page: South Ormsby Hall Heritage Restoration.

Ready to discuss your next venture? Get in touch with ABM Tiling or learn about our Stone Restoration Services. We're here to support your projects with the quality and reliability you expect.