Blending historic preservation with state-of-the-art new build facilities
We partnered with Durham County Council on the spectacular ‘The Story’ project. This major civic development consolidated several key local services including archives, registration, the military museum, and an archaeology centre into a newly refurbished Grade II listed manor house and a state-of-the-art new build extension. The project serves as a testament to successful heritage preservation and public service amalgamation.
The brief
The existing manor house, Mount Oswald, was originally built in 1800 and expanded in the Georgian style in 1830. The building required vital restoration and redecoration. This involved working on ornate features such as ceiling roses, cornices, and the grand staircase woodwork to preserve its character.
The project required internal and external decoration across the new modern extension too, which opened in June 2024. Our team needed to ensure the highest standards of finish were applied to both contrasting environments while maintaining strict compliance with safety regulations and specifications.
The solution
We delivered comprehensive internal and external decoration works, expertly addressing both the restoration and new build requirements.
Our team executed vital restoration and redecoration of the ornate features within the existing Grade II listed building, including the grand staircase and ceremony rooms, achieving the highest possible standard of finish.
We completed all high-specification decoration works within the state-of-the-art learning facilities, ensuring a durable, interactive, and modern aesthetic to inspire visitors of all ages.
Working closely with supply chain partners like Johnstone’s Trade Paints and Envirograf Fire Protection, we ensured all finishes provided the necessary protection and compliance required for a major public building.
Results & benefits
The successful delivery of the decoration works helped bring The Story to life, resulting in significant benefits for the client and the Durham community.
The vital restoration of original features ensures the historic significance of the Grade II listed manor house is preserved for future generations and ready to host a range of events including weddings, while the project also delivered brand new, modern research facilities and exhibition spaces.
We acted as the single point of contact for all complex painting needs. The quality of the decoration works earned Davison Solutions a Highly Commended Award from the Painting & Decorating Association (PDA) for our contribution to the project, and we were also recognised as a Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Finalist 2024 in the Hospitality, Leisure and Retail category.
