Wattle & Daub: Craft, Conservation & Wiltshire Case Study
Contents
3.6 Daub
4.1 Soils
4.1.3 Strength
4.2 Dung
4.2.2 Lignin
4.2.3 Urine
4.3 Fibre
5.4.2 Renewal

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5.4.1 Brick Infill

Brick nogging is often found to have replaced earlier wattle and daub. This frequently occurred due to the wattle and daub craft waning during the 17th century and brick becoming increasingly cheap and freely available. It should be noted that some brick infill may be original or may enhance the appearance of a building in which case every effort should be made to preserve it. However, it may be found that the replacement brick infill was of poor workmanship and may hold water against the timbers, especially if the top edge of the nogging protrudes beyond the face of the frame. In these situations, restoration may be appropriate if all the following conditions are met:
  1. The majority of other panels in the same building retain their historic wattle and daub, the appearance of which will be enhanced by the re-instatement of the remaining panels.
  2. Archaeology is available to prove that the panels had originally been filled with wattle and daub (e.g. stave holes and groove).
  • 3. The replacement infill does not contribute to the special character of the building, is of poor quality and requires remedial action.[98]

Where restoration is being considered, consent will be required if the building is listed. Conservation officer advice should be sought before any work is started. An appraisal of the structure must be performed before removal of the nogging to ensure that it has not become load-bearing. Where this work represents an alteration rather than repair, the labour and materials may presently be zero-rated for VAT where certain criteria are met.

[98] Criteria for re-instatement are presented in PPG15, Section C.6