McCurdy & Co.’s reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, in London, has established them as leaders in the field of authentic reconstruction of historic timber frame buildings. They carried out extensive research to establish the overall design and to ensure historical accuracy of all joints and details before fabricating and erecting the oak structure.
Other historic replicas and reconstruction carried out by McCurdy & Co. include houses, barns and farm buildings, medieval halls, shops and commercial buildings. These projects have been undertaken for various clients including Open Air Museums in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America, archaeological and preservation trusts, government bodies and commercial developments, corporate and private clients.
Using their specialist conservation skills and understanding of historic timber structures, McCurdy & Co. are able to undertake the research, design, fabrication and erection of any form of historic timber framed structure or building. Examples could range from a barn to a Guildhall, a medieval manor house to an Elizabethan Theatre. These can be an exact replica of an existing building, a fully researched and authentic reconstruction or a purpose designed new timber frame building.
Consultancy
Whether directly advising a building owner or working as part of a professional design team McCurdy & Co. is able to offer clients specialist consultancy advice and the benefit of more than 25 years of in-depth research and practical knowledge. Consultancy and advisory work can encompass structural surveys, record drawing and archaeological analysis, schedules of repair, maintenance programmes and quinquennial surveys. Working to the client’s brief and after consultation and liaison with conservation officers and English Heritage, this data is used to provide the detailed design and specification for a programme of timber repairs and reconstruction.
McCurdy & Co.’s comprehensive knowledge and expertise in all aspects of historic and contemporary timber frame construction are commissioned by key bodies such as the National Trust and English Heritage. McCurdy & Co. also advises architects and local authorities, various public and private clients, major developers, construction companies, institutions, trusts and museums in both USA and Europe.
Research & Continuing Education
The Company has a particular interest in the analysis of historic working methods and the performance and specification of timber repairs. Each project presents an opportunity for continuing research and analysis, which has long term reference value.
Peter McCurdy sits on committees at both ICOMOS (The International Council of Monuments & Sites) and TRADA (The Timber Research and Development Association). The company is committed to advancing the understanding of traditional timber frame construction, the ongoing developments of techniques for repair and conservation and opportunities for new construction.
McCurdy & Co. runs in-house training in its own specialist workshops as well as organising seminars and CPD events around the UK. The team at McCurdy & Co. regularly contributes to accredited timber repair and conservation training courses for universities and national bodies whilst Peter McCurdy frequently lectures around the world.
McCurdy & Co. has more than 25 years experience on a variety of significant projects, which range from the Tower of London to the re-creation of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The Company can offer clients a comprehensive range of services in the repair and conservation of historic timber frames and also new timber frames, complemented by specialist consultancy advice and a keen involvement in training and research. Principal areas of expertise are as follows:-
Conservation
McCurdy & Co. undertakes both timber repairs to existing historic buildings as well as the fabrication of frames and the construction of new timber structures. Projects include: the reconstruction of Barley Hall, a listed 14th century monastic hospice in the heart of York and full archaelogical survey, condition analysis and structural repairs to the Great Barn at Harmondsworth, one of the UK’s finest surviving mediaeval barns.
Such conservation work is based on the thorough understanding and use of not only traditional carpentry skills but also historic working methods and techniques, combined with specialist conservation skills.
Reconstruction
The detailed design fabrication and erection work on Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, including associated research into its original construction, has established McCurdy & Co. as leaders in the field of authentic reconstruction of historic timber framed buildings. The Company has also undertaken the design and erection of a number of new timber framed structures including award winning Summer House at the Chelsea Flower Show and the Krishnamurti Centre in Hampshire.