Description of exterior repair scheme

The Exchange was originally built in 1855 by the Norwich cathedral Architect, John Brown and is remarkable for being on an island site with all the facades considered as architecture. It was originally surmounted by a glass dome supported on an iron framework to ground level which together with the use of iron joists supporting the flat roof seems to make it one of the earliest structures utilizing ironwork in this way.

Works to the exterior were undertaken in 2000 both to make the building sound and watertight as well as to restore it visually as closely as possible to the original design. The principal work was a complete renewal of the roof surface with asphalt and at the same time roof insulation was installed.

Repairs to the badly spalled brickwork included the replacement of splayed and plinth bricks in lime mortar as well as pressure washing of the bricks with clean water. Removing the cementitious paint from the whole of the stonework proved impossible within the budget. Consequently one bay on the West side was sandblasted and scraped clean whilst the rest of the stone and render panels were painted with a stone coloured mineral paint by Keim.

Window frames were repaired and where necessary replaced and the original glazing bar pattern restored. Black glass was used for the main hall, now used as a cinema, with a layer of sound insulation behind it, whilst the foyer was given clear glass so as to give the building the appearance of use. Colours used for the paintwork closely follow the deeper shades common at the time of building.

Awards

Norfolk Society Award
Graham Allen Award