Unit 305 Session 1. Pre 1919 construction Lesson

1

1 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

PowerPoint
presentation

Unit 202: Changing practices over time

PowerPoint 1: Pre-1919 construction practices

2

2 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Aim: To explore pre-1919 construction practices

Objectives

• Explore the impact of transport constraints on material choices.

• Compare the different materials used in pre-1919 construction.

• Identify the common binders and mortars used pre-1919.

• Discuss the use of lime in pre-1919 construction.

• Describe pre-1919 internal and external finishes.

3

3 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Transport constraints on material choices

• Pre-1919 construction resources in Wales were predominantly sourced

and used locally due to transport constraints.

• The availability of local materials heavily influenced the type and look

of buildings in the region during that time.

• The predominant use of locally sourced materials was largely

influenced by the transportation limitations of the time.

• Before the advent of modern transportation infrastructure, such as

railways and highways, the movement of heavy construction materials
over long distances was laborious and expensive.

• As a result, builders relied on resources available near to the

construction site, leading to the distinctive regional architectural styles.

4

4 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Materials used in pre-1919 construction: stone

• Wales is known for its abundant natural resources of various types of

stone, such as limestone, sandstone and slate.

• This stone were extensively used in construction.

• Quarrying was the primary method of sourcing stone.

• Local quarries provided easy access to these materials, minimising

transportation costs and logistical challenges.

• The use of local stone resulted in the distinct appearance of Welsh

buildings, characterised by their sturdy and durable nature.

5

5 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Materials used in pre 1919 construction: slate

• Wales, particularly North Wales, was renowned for its high-quality slate

deposits.

• Slate quarries, such as those in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llanberis, and

Bethesda, produced large quantities of slate for roofing and cladding.

• The transport of heavy slate slabs over long distances was impractical

due to the logistical difficulties of moving such weighty materials.

• As a result, the use of slate was prevalent in local construction, giving

rise to the distinctive appearance of Welsh slate roofs.

6

6 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Materials used in pre 1919 construction: timber

• Wales had substantial woodland resources and timber was an

essential construction material.

• Local forests provided a ready supply of timber for framing, flooring

and joinery.

• The transport of large timber beams or planks over long distances was

challenging, so the use of local timber was a practical choice for
builders.

7

7 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Materials used in pre-1919 construction: bricks

• While stone and slate were the primary construction materials, bricks

were also used, particularly in urban areas.

• Brick production in Wales was limited compared to other regions, and

the availability of suitable clay deposits played a crucial role in the
production of bricks.

• Local brickworks were established near areas with accessible clay

deposits which ensured a local supply and reduced transportation
costs.

8

8 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Binders and mortars used pre-1919

• Various binders and mortars were employed in building construction in

Wales before 1919. These materials were critical in connecting and
stabilising the structural parts, giving overall strength and longevity.

• Different types of lime were used for the construction of buildings. Lime

played a crucial role as a binder in mortars, plasters and other
applications, providing strength, durability and workability to the
construction materials.

• Other mortars and binders include clay and cement. These mortars

were used in specific cases, depending on factors such as availability,
cost and specific construction needs.

• These different binders and mortars contributed to the distinct

construction techniques and architectural styles of the time.

9

9 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Binders and mortars used pre-1919

Cement mortar

• While not as common as lime-based mortars, cement mortar was

employed on occasion in pre-1919 Welsh building.

• During that time, the most frequent form of cement was Roman

cement, which is a naturally occurring hydraulic cement.

• It was created by combining clay and limestone and burning them

together.

• Cement mortar was stronger and set faster than lime mortar, although

it was often more costly. Its applicability was restricted to certain
applications requiring greater strength or faster building schedules.

10

10 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Binders and mortars used pre-1919

Clay mortar

• Clay mortar was used in some rural locations when the supply of lime

or cement was restricted.

• When clay soil was combined with water, it created a workable mortar

that could be used to join bricks or other building materials.

• While clay mortar offered some cohesiveness, it was less robust and

more prone to water damage than lime or cement mortars.

11

11 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Use of lime in pre-1919 construction

Various varieties of lime were used in pre-1919 Welsh building.

• Fat lime, also known as non-hydraulic lime or quick lime, was the most

widely used because of its outstanding workability and self-healing
qualities.

• Fat lime is characterised by its plasticity and workability, making it

suitable for creating flexible mortars and plasters.

• It has excellent self-healing properties, allowing it to accommodate

slight movements in the building without cracking.

• Fat lime mortars were used for bonding stone and brick masonry, as

well as for rendering and plastering interior and exterior surfaces.

12

12 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Use of lime in pre-1919 construction

• Hydraulic lime offers increased strength and faster setting times

compared to fat lime. It is suitable for applications that require higher
load-bearing capacity or exposure to dampness.

• Hydraulic lime mortars were used in areas such as foundations,

basements or in buildings subject to more significant water ingress or
higher mechanical stresses.

• There were different categories of hydraulic lime, distinguished by their

hydraulic strength and setting properties including: feebly, moderately
hydraulic lime and eminently hydraulic lime.

• The selection of the appropriate type of lime depended on factors such

as the specific requirements of the construction project, local
availability, and the desired performance of the mortar or plaster.

13

13 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Pre-1919 internal and external finishes

• Plaster was a widely used finish for interior walls and ceilings. Lime

plaster, made from a mixture of lime, aggregate (such as sand) and
water, was commonly used.

• Lime plaster had excellent breathability, allowing moisture to evaporate

and preventing trapped moisture from damaging the walls.

• Heavy timber-framed buildings had infill panels made of lime and mud-

based daub applied onto thin wooden slats or a lattice of woven sticks
called wattle.

• Later, lime plaster was applied onto riven or sawn timber laths nailed to

the timber framing. In some areas, timber framing was clad with timber
boards or clay tiles.

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14 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Pre-1919 internal and external finishes

•Timber floorboards, stone flooring, quarry tiles and cement screeds
were common in pre-1919 residential buildings.

•Construction methods were labor-intensive, relying on traditional
craftsmanship and manual techniques.

•Solid flooring was made of earth or concrete slabs and was typically
completed with stone slabs or clay tiles. Plaster was also used in
regions where gypsum was abundant.

•Floors were built on timber or stone subfloors supported by wooden
joists, and the choice of flooring material reflected practical needs and
local resources, contributing to the building's character and
functionality.

15

15 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Pre-1919 internal and external finishes

• The roof structure was generally composed of wood and built using

traditional methods.

• Rafters, purlins, ridge beams and supporting struts formed the timber

structure and they mostly remained exposed.

• Welsh slate was commonly employed because to its durability, while

clay tiles were an alternative.

• Thatch roofs were widespread in rural regions and the primary

material for the roof construction was timber.

• The choice of roofing materials and construction techniques

contributed to the architectural character and regional identity of the
buildings.

16

16 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Any questions?

17

1 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

PowerPoint
presentation

Unit 202: Changing practices over time

PowerPoint 1: Pre-1919 construction practices

18

2 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Aim: To explore pre-1919 construction practices

Objectives

• Explore the impact of transport constraints on material choices.

• Compare the different materials used in pre-1919 construction.

• Identify the common binders and mortars used pre-1919.

• Discuss the use of lime in pre-1919 construction.

• Describe pre-1919 internal and external finishes.

19

3 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Transport constraints on material choices

• Pre-1919 construction resources in Wales were predominantly sourced

and used locally due to transport constraints.

• The availability of local materials heavily influenced the type and look

of buildings in the region during that time.

• The predominant use of locally sourced materials was largely

influenced by the transportation limitations of the time.

• Before the advent of modern transportation infrastructure, such as

railways and highways, the movement of heavy construction materials
over long distances was laborious and expensive.

• As a result, builders relied on resources available near to the

construction site, leading to the distinctive regional architectural styles.

20

4 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Materials used in pre-1919 construction: stone

• Wales is known for its abundant natural resources of various types of

stone, such as limestone, sandstone and slate.

• This stone were extensively used in construction.

• Quarrying was the primary method of sourcing stone.

• Local quarries provided easy access to these materials, minimising

transportation costs and logistical challenges.

• The use of local stone resulted in the distinct appearance of Welsh

buildings, characterised by their sturdy and durable nature.

21

5 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Materials used in pre 1919 construction: slate

• Wales, particularly North Wales, was renowned for its high-quality slate

deposits.

• Slate quarries, such as those in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llanberis, and

Bethesda, produced large quantities of slate for roofing and cladding.

• The transport of heavy slate slabs over long distances was impractical

due to the logistical difficulties of moving such weighty materials.

• As a result, the use of slate was prevalent in local construction, giving

rise to the distinctive appearance of Welsh slate roofs.

22

6 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Materials used in pre 1919 construction: timber

• Wales had substantial woodland resources and timber was an

essential construction material.

• Local forests provided a ready supply of timber for framing, flooring and

joinery.

• The transport of large timber beams or planks over long distances was

challenging, so the use of local timber was a practical choice for
builders.

23

7 of 14

Progression in
Construction and BSE (Level 2)

Materials used in pre-1919 construction: bricks

• While stone and slate were the primary construction materials, bricks

were also used, particularly in urban areas.

• Brick production in Wales was limited compared to other regions, and

the availability of suitable clay deposits played a crucial role in the
production of bricks.

• Local brickworks were established near areas with accessible clay

deposits which ensured a local supply and reduced transportation
costs.

24