Preserving History: The Refurbishment of the Old Brick Shed at Bursledon Brickworks Museum
Tucked within the grounds of the Bursledon Brickworks Museum, the last surviving Victorian steam-driven brickworks in the UK, stands a humble yet historically significant structure, The Old Brick Shed.
Once a vital part of the brick making process, the building had sadly slipped into a state of disrepair, its future uncertain and its fabric at risk of being lost altogether.
Recognising the importance of preserving this heritage asset for future generations, Imperial Homes embarked on a sensitive refurbishment project that combined traditional techniques with modern structural solutions. The result is a building rescued from dereliction and ready to continue telling the story of brickmaking in the South of England for years to come.
When Imperial Homes first assessed the Old Brick Shed, the building was structurally unsound. Years of exposure had taken their toll, leaving the masonry weakened and missing roof. Before any restoration work could begin, the priority was to stabilise and protect what remained.
Our construction team installed supporting steels to secure the structure, ensuring it was safe to work in and strong enough to withstand the restoration ahead. These steel supports now form an integral part of the building’s long-term stability, discreetly incorporated to respect the original aesthetic.
One of the most striking features of Bursledon Brickworks is its beautiful handmade brickwork, rich in character, colour, and heritage. To bring the Old Brick Shed back to life, Imperial Homes carried out extensive repointing using traditional methods, carefully matching materials to the original fabric.
This meticulous work not only revitalised the building’s appearance but also safeguarded the brickwork against future weathering. Each joint was restored with care, reflecting our commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.
The roof of the Old Brick Shed required complete replacement. Imperial Homes installed a brand new roof structure, incorporating roof lights to bring natural light into the space while maintaining the simplicity of the building’s original form. The new roof ensures the structure is now weather-tight and capable of standing strong for many years to come.
In keeping with the historical significance of the site, Imperial Homes opted for a limecrete floor, a breathable, environmentally friendly solution ideally suited to heritage buildings. Unlike modern concrete, limecrete allows moisture to move naturally through the structure, protecting the original brickwork and preventing damp issues that could compromise the building’s longevity.
The museum now benefits from a durable, sustainable floor that supports both preservation and future public use.
The refurbishment of the Old Brick Shed is more than a construction project, it’s a collaboration with the Bursledon Brickworks Museum to protect an important piece of Hampshire’s industrial history. Thanks to the work carried out by Imperial Homes, the building has been brought back from the brink, its character preserved and its structure future-proofed.
