St Mildred’s Church, Ashford, Kent

Preserving Heritage with Precision – The Restoration of St Mildred’s Church

Location: St Mildred’s Church, Tenterden, Ashford, Kent
Partners: GB Tiling Ltd, Parker & Son, Battle, ARDEX UK

Overview

St Mildred’s Church, a centuries-old landmark in Kent, underwent a meticulous restoration that balanced modern performance with historical sensitivity. ARDEX UK was proud to support this prestigious project, working closely with tiling contractor GB Tiling Ltd and main contractor Parker & Son to deliver a solution that honoured the building’s heritage.

Challenges

The restoration presented several unique challenges:

• Multiple subfloor types, including traditional lime screed, required breathable materials.
• Intricate cuts around historical features, such as 700-year-old pillars and 400-year-old gravestones.
• Integration of modern Jupiter underfloor heating (UFH) with heritage-appropriate finishes.

Solutions

To meet these challenges, the following approach was taken:

• Subfloor Preparation: Areas with lime screed were treated with a lime and sand premix, ensuring breathability and a consistent grout colour throughout the church.
• Flooring Installation:
  • The main church floor was tiled over Jupiter UFH using Purbeck limestone, with a hammered finish for the ramp entrance into the church.
  • The ramp surround was bullnosed and dressed on-site for a seamless transition.
  • ARDEX X 32, a specialist adhesive for natural stone, was used to ensure secure and durable installation.
• Heritage Detailing:
  • Rustic terracotta tiles were reinstated at the entrance to reflect the church’s original character.
  • Green limestone borders were added around heating troughs for a refined finish.
  • Special care was taken to maintain tight finishes around ancient architectural elements while allowing for necessary expansion.

Technical Support

ARDEX provided hands-on guidance throughout the project. Their expertise was crucial in navigating the complexities of working within a historic structure.

Jack Caulfield from GB Tiling Ltd said: “ARDEX are always so helpful, we would go nowhere else!

“We love doing these churches and are forever grateful for main contractors like Parker’s for putting their trust in us for these glorious and prestigious projects.”

Final Touches

The final cleaning, carried out by Stone Floor Refurbishment Ltd, revealed the full beauty of the installation.

Acknowledgements

ARDEX extends its gratitude to Jack Caulfield, Matthew O’Neil, and the entire GB Tiling team for their dedication and skill. Their commitment to excellence was instrumental in the success of this restoration.

Stunning photography by Ali Tuson Photographs captures the craftsmanship and detail of the completed work.