Cosin’s Almshouses & Pemberton Building – Facade Refurbishment

Project Overview

Located on the east side of Palace Green within Durham’s World Heritage Site, the Cosin’s Almshouses and adjoining Pemberton Building form an architecturally and culturally significant part of the University estate. Both buildings were showing severe weathering, roof failure, and structural cracking caused by centuries of movement and water ingress.

Durham University commissioned the works to make the buildings safe, watertight, and fit for continued educational use, while conserving their historic character.

 

Scope of Works

The scheme included:

• Full refurbishment of stone, slate, lead, and asphalt roofs, including new insulation and timber treatment.

• HeliBar structural crack reinforcement and lime-based masonry repointing.

• Cleaning and re-rendering of facades in line with heritage guidance.

• Restoration of original windows, doors, and stone detailing.

• Drainage replacement and below-ground lining.

• Installation of new lightning protection system.

• Internal structural strengthening and redecoration to the Durham Union Society rooms.

 

Heritage and Sustainability

The works were carefully planned to maintain the site’s Grade II listed status, with archaeological monitoring undertaken by Durham University Archaeological Services identifying 17th-century foundations and a probable medieval culvert. Sustainable principles were applied through material reuse, such as salvaging sound roof flags and minimising waste.

 

Site Management

Due to the restricted access of Palace Green and proximity to the Cathedral, logistics were tightly controlled:

• Site compound and materials storage located within existing estate boundaries.

• Deliveries restricted to early weekday hours, avoiding peak University and civic events.

• Full pedestrian protection and noise/dust management in line with Conservation and Considerate Constructors Scheme standards.

 

End results

• Structural and weatherproof integrity restored across both buildings.

• Enhanced safety and access provisions for maintenance.

• Revived heritage facades and reinstated historic detailing.

• Project completion ahead of the original forecasted programme.