The Old Art School

Falmouth, Cornwall

2026

Built in 1901; this was the original art school in Falmouth. Largely unchanged for over 125 years, the building retains classic art school, original features such as high ceilings punctuated by huge sash windows with finer brick details embellishing the exterior entrances.

Our client has a vision – as custodian of this historic building – to restore it for use as a technical workshop and a public gallery space (scheduled for completion in 2027).

Our team are working alongside John Dawes (Eng) and architects Richard Thomas Practice to proceed with a deep renovation and retrofit, including re-roofing, stripping the internal walls of crumbling render, renewing that with natural lime render for preservation and to improve the building’s resilience to the elements. In addition, we’re commissioning new large wooden sash windows. We’re also fitting a new insulation package, under-floor heating and an MVHR system. Creating a modern space within a period shell.   

  • Ongoing works, The Old Art School, Falmouth - Heritage renovation | Berryman Construction
  • Ongoing works, The Old Art School, Falmouth - Heritage renovation | Berryman Construction
  • Original lath and plaster, The Old Art School, Falmouth - Heritage renovation | Berryman Construction
  • Interior wide #1, The Old Art School, Falmouth - Heritage renovation | Berryman Construction
  • On site meetings, The Old Art School, Falmouth - Heritage renovation | Berryman Construction
  • First floor deep renovation, The Old Art School, Falmouth - Heritage renovation | Berryman Construction
  • First floor lath and plaster, The Old Art School, Falmouth - Heritage renovation | Berryman Construction
  • First floor meeting, The Old Art School, Falmouth - Heritage renovation | Berryman Construction

The Old Art School, commercial, heritage building renovation , Falmouth, 2026

Project details

 

Responding to the client’s request for a public-use Gallery, a technical workshop, retaining all heritage features using heritage materials.

A new insulation package, under-floor heating and an MVHR system will create modern working standards within a period shell.   

Huge 3.7 × 2m traditionally built sash windows have been commissioned to reinstate this commercial-use heritage building.