Mike Wye & Associates Ltd
Suppliers of Natural Building and Decorating Products
sales@mikewye.co.uk

Tyrella House

Kitchen Renovation

Here is a kitchen in Shebbear, Devon in a cob and stone 17c building that had been modernised in 1970. It had gypsum plaster over cement and Artex applied to the walls with a shiny vinyl silk emulsion over the top.

Plaster was being forced from the wall at ground level by the rising moisture and the sealed walls also created the perfect situation for condensation and mould growth. This was particularly prevalent behind the wall units

The modern materials needed to be removed and traditional and breathable products applied. Since this work was completed all the problems caused by the build up of moisture has been eradicated.

A brief outline of what work was carried out and the materials used is set out below.

The 1970's kitchen units and appliances were taken out.

The Artex was carefully removed with Action Products Professional Artex remover in case it contained asbestos.

The cement and gypsum plaster was hacked off to allow the cob and stone walls to breathe.

A pantry was created at one end.

Hand made reclaimed bricks are laid in lime putty mortar 3/1 unhaired with Tatchells sand.

The tiles backing the range cooker do not go all the way to the floor. This allows moisture to escape from the wall.

The walls have been scat with lime putty mortar 3/1 unhaired, float coat of 3/1 haired with lime putty plaster 2/1 superfine and sponge finished.

The walls were painted with 3 x coats of 'Devon Cream' limewash using a paint pad.

The ceiling is modern plasterboard that has been skimmed with a 3/2 mix of lime putty plaster on to of a primer coat of Bayosan DG27. The paint is a natural breathable emulsion from NBT. This helps to tie the plaster in with the texture of the walls and makes the surface breathable and therefore less prone to condensation.

Non fitted units and open shelves are used to allow the free flow of air to the walls. This further aids evaporation of moisture from this traditionally built house.

The brickwork around the range cooker can lead to problems with dust in food and stains on the bricks, this has been overcome by applying 2 x dilute coats of Biofa silicate fixative leaving a wipable, dust free surface that looks totally natural and is fully breathable.