Traditional Methods, Historical conservation, Eco-friendly materials - the restoration of the Manor House Stables - 2007-2008
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The completion of the Manor House Stables in April 2008 marks the culmination of nearly 10 years of research and restoration. The result has is a unique restoration of a previously redundant Grade II Listed Stables into self-catering holiday accommodation, tearooms, small shop and space for courses. Environmentally-friendly natural materials have been used throughout the restoration in a historically-sympathetic way.
Restoration is a great example of sustainability - the importance of re-using an existing building is often overlooked. Using natural materials in restoration is important in that these materials not only contribute positively t
o the environment, but they also allow the building to 'breathe' (thus ensuring its continued survival) and can also be re-used or allowed to degrade when the building is at the end of its life - a truly sustainable life-cycle. In addition, natural products are not only beneficial for the building but also for the environment and for the health of people 
too.
During the restoration of the Stables, natural sustainable materials/products were used and the sustainable principals of SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) were adhered to as closely as possible. A very local firm of builders (Tasker Builders of Sleaford) with experience of historic conservation was employed to carry out the restoration.
In the restoration both historic conservation and ecological principals were considered.
Original features including doors, windows, timber beams, stable stalls and mangers were retained
and repaired rather than replaced and the new extension was built using materials that complemented the age and original use of the Stables.
Only materials with natural breathable qualities were used in the restoration to allow the building to ‘breathe’.
Natural environmentally-friendly paints and wood stains were used throughout on doors, floors and window frames (which smelt of oranges during application!) 
High levels of thermal insulation (well above Building Regulation requirements) were achieved throughout the building but only natural chemical-free materials were used. These included battens of cotton-hemp and wood fibreboard in the walls and ceilings, and layers of re-cycled foam glass and limecrete (known as 'glaster') below the floors.
Borax salts were used instead of the normal toxic wood-preservative treatment.
Solar panels and a wood pellet boiler were installed which together fuel the upstairs radiators and the downstairs underfloor heating system as well as providing lots of hot water. Wood-burning stove were also installed in both accommodations.
