Kilmacolm  New   Community  Centre

VILLAGE CENTRE - PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF UPPER FLOORS

Generally the conditions were well above expectations, with no obvious serious structural defects. Much rot work had already been carried out during the 1980s refurbishment, which appears to have been halted shortly before completion. Most of the window lintels have been renewed with concrete ones, much plasterwork, skirtings, window sashes, floor joist ends, and flooring have been replaced, and nearly all of the ceilings and cornices are in very good original condition, requiring only decorative attention. The majority of the expensive remedial work had been done, and only one remaining patch of dry rot is evident in the old staff room floor. Minor aspects of recent water damage have occurred around the perimeter walls and below the central glass lantern valley, probably due to a complete lack of routine gutter maintenance, allowing rainwater to overflow onto the wall heads, wall plates and down the cavities, etc. Some windows are broken, but the majority are intact.

Staircases, although dirty, are complete, and in good original order. Mezzanine floors have had their half sash windows removed and bricked up, and a considerable amount of new plasterwork.

There is a total lack of plumbing and electrical services installed, although heat rising from below has kept the building fabric generally dry. To be useable, the upstairs areas would require some joinery, rot works, plastering, glazing, rewiring, plumbing/heating and extensive décor.

Large front room - Extensive new plasterwork, flooring, skirtings,etc

Opposite end – showing new lintels, rafters, sarking, etc

-plasterwork unfinished

Ceiling and cornice in almost perfect condition – flaking paint only

Recent water damage from gutters has exposed new concrete lintel

Rear room to East – New plasterwork, etc.

Windows mostly intact and ceiling excellent

New joist ends, flooring and skirting. Wall left unfinished

Back centre room – back wall and windows completely refurbished

Back West room – new work damaged by water

Back West room – new joist ends, flooring and skirtings

Looking North – Staircases are complete and solid.

Staff room door has pediment above lintel.

Water damage on lantern soffit – caused by choked internal rones

Rear corridor with debris from above soffits etc.

Patch of dry rot in staff room floor above mezzanine. This is the only serious visible rot in the building. This room has been virtually untouched by the 1980s refurb.

Mould growth caused by water from the lantern valley gutter.

Possibly the cause of the dry rot shown above.

Mezzanine – looking North. Dimensions are  2.5M high, 4.0M wide, 5.0M deep, allowing 1.5M for landing. Note bricked up half lights. Ceiling and cornice 90% complete

joist ends at back of this mezzanine – below staff room floor

View from mezzanine across staircases.

Note the temporary roof constructed to isolate downstairs area

Large area of new plaster on stair well brick wall

Opposite side mezzanine – new ceiling below headmaster’s office

Headmaster’s office ceiling – New rolled steel joists support unusually

 large storage tanks in loft for heating system and hot water

Attractive features hidden from view by downstairs partitions

Existing central atrium lantern above...

...could look like this after renovation!!