The design and installation of a structural waterproofing system at The Ice House, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, is one of the more interesting and challenging projects Guardian Preservation Services, a member of the Basement Living Group, has undertaken.
Constructed in stone, the building dates back to the 1830s and is built directly onto and adjoining the rock face over 11 metres high. The lower part fronts Wye Street and the upper part fronts Wilton Road.
The walls of the original building are 1.2 metres thick - providing excellent insulation - and it is believed that it was once used for the storage of ice, formed from the freezing flood meadows adjacent to the River Wye.
Transported into Wilton Road, the ice was chuted into the bottom of the building and stored for the summer months to be sold to the Ross town folk along with fish caught in the nearby river, which were also stored in the ice. The chute, uncovered during the internal demolition, starts under the existing Wilton Road path dropping vertically down three metres before entering the building.
Since its original use the building has been two motorcycle shops (Lucas and Stormer) and a washing machine sales shop (Washrite) before falling into disuse early in 2000. Planning permission was obtained for conversion into a residential property and Guardian Preservation Services was commissioned to design and install a structural waterproofing system.
A cavity drain membrane system was installed to all walls from upper ground level down 14 metres to the base of the building. The floor was covered with a 20mm stud membrane and finished
with a concrete screed.
Within the building, the lower floor - some 2.5 metres below the outside ground level – already had an original sump design with a central drain leading outwards to the river and this was utilised to dispose of all ground water.
The main contractor installed a total of five floors, adding an additional top storey to maximise the outstanding views over the River Wye, resulting in a stunning private dwelling and all parties were proud to have been associated with such a unique project.