-Case study-

Transforming Dulwich’s Heritage: A Remarkable Brick Restoration by SJ Pointer

Completed 22.12.2024

At SJ Pointer, we take immense pride in preserving the architectural heritage of London. Our recent project in Dulwich was a testament to our expertise and dedication to restoring the timeless beauty of brickwork. This challenging restoration involved removing unsightly pebble dash from a historic yellow stock brick facade and replacing over 800 damaged and eroded bricks. Here’s a detailed account of the process, accompanied by photos showcasing each stage of this incredible transformation.
Yellow stock brick façade after pebble dash removal

The Challenge: Pebble Dash and Damaged Brickwork

The property’s yellow stock brick facade was originally concealed beneath a layer of pebble dash, which not only masked the building’s charm but also contributed to moisture retention, leading to extensive damage. Once the pebble dash was carefully removed, it revealed the true extent of the erosion and damage, with many bricks no longer salvageable.

This image captures the state of the brickwork post-pebble dash removal. The damage is evident, with eroded surfaces and cracks visible across the facade, highlighting the need for substantial restoration.

Preparing for Brick Replacement

To ensure the structural integrity of the property and seamless integration of new bricks, we partially dismantled sections of the wall. This careful process allowed us to prepare the surface for the introduction of fresh yellow stock bricks that matched the original ones in texture and appearance.

Here, you can see sections of the wall being methodically dismantled. The preparation phase ensures that the new bricks align perfectly with the remaining structure.

Partially dismantled brick wall
Yellow stock bricks stacked and ready for laying
Selecting and Stacking New Bricks
Our team sourced high-quality yellow stock bricks, carefully chosen to complement the original aesthetic. These bricks were stacked and prepared for installation, ensuring an efficient workflow during the rebuilding phase.

This image shows the neatly stacked replacement bricks, ready to be integrated into the facade. Each brick was inspected for quality and consistency.

Rebuilding the Facade
With the new bricks in place, the facade began to regain its former glory. The rebuilding process required meticulous craftsmanship to ensure the new bricks seamlessly blended with the original structure, preserving the property’s historical character.
This photo highlights the progress made during the rebuilding phase. The fresh yellow stock bricks stand out for their precision and alignment, restoring the property’s integrity.
Partially rebuilt facade
Restored brick arch over the property’s doors
Restoring Architectural Details

A key feature of the property’s facade was its brick arch above the doorway, which required careful restoration. By matching the arch’s curvature and brick pattern, we ensured this distinctive element was faithfully preserved.

This final image showcases the beautifully restored brick arch, a striking feature that adds character and elegance to the property.
A Testament to Expert Craftsmanship

The completed project in Dulwich is a stunning example of how careful restoration can breathe new life into a property. By replacing over 800 bricks and restoring intricate architectural details, we not only enhanced the structural integrity but also revived the aesthetic appeal of this historic home.

If your property requires expert brick cleaning, restoration, or repointing, contact us today. Let us help you preserve the beauty and history of your building, one brick at a time.