Bullocks Farmhouse, Hampshire

Bringing a Tudor home into the 21st century

Client
- Private

Sector
- Heritage

Instruments
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Faro 3D laser scanner
- High resolution cameras
- Leyca Cyclone
- Leica Total Station
- N4CE
- UAV drone

Solutions
- Measured building survey
- Site survey
- Topographical survey

Challenge

Bullocks Farmhouse, a Grade II-listed home, was described by Historic England as “having been built in 1600 or earlier, with a timber framed structure and clad with brickwork…covered with plain clay red tiles, half-hipped, with the presence of Tudor stack chimneys with two spiralgrooved flues.”

The heritage impact assessment highlighted that the house underwent widespread alteration and reconstruction through the 17th and 18th centuries. Having been in the same ownership since 1954, very little work was carried out from the 1960s onwards, before it was purchased in 2018 by our clients to be transformed into their forever family home.

The new owners aim was to meticulously restore the original features and uncover those that had been hidden away in preceding decades, as well as build a much-needed extension to accommodate the prerequisites of a modern family home.

As specialists in the surveying of historic, listed buildings, marrying a deep knowledge of the art and science of surveying, together with the most up-to-date equipment, we were delighted to take on the project and support our clients to realise their dream.

Approach

Modern 3D laser scanning technology, paired with drone inspections, high-resolution cameras and traditional Total Stations, allowed the team to flawlessly capture data in a fast, safe, yet uncompromisingly accurate way.

For the measured building survey, the team used a Faro 3D laser scanner capable of delivering an accuracy of +/-2mm. This allowed the team to capture highly accurate and detailed data within a reasonable timeframe.

For the roof and chimney inspections, the team wanted to make sure that the information gathered by the 3D laser scanner was compatible with data captured by our CAA qualified and fully insured drone pilots.

For the topographical land survey, the surveying team adopted a robotic reflector-less Leica Total Station. Particular attention was required in and around the shallow inspection chambers at the rear of the property, approximately where the proposed extension was to be erected.

Outcome

03 bullocks farmhouse measured building survey

The final report included various drawings, including the floor plans, roof plans, cross sections and external elevations. Wall textures and brickwork were highlighted, and the irregularity of the masonry noted, together with relevant walls, ceilings and elevation details, and any intricate wooden architecture. The drawings were of invaluable help to the owners and architect as listed building consent was successfully obtained. They also proved to be critical when approaching other trades for the replacement of the windows and roof and the timber frame restoration.

The project has since gone on to be featured in the Listed Heritage Magazine.

A word from our client

Bullocks Farm homeowner

We were really pleased with the service and outcome from the survey team. The project is a real labour of love so to have a team that understood the emotions involved and respected the heritage of the building was invaluable. Without the accuracy of the surveys the project would have been at a standstill.