Heritage Building Restoration — Diriyah
Rehabilitating a standing mudbrick building without disturbing its original fabric
Government EntityDiriyah, Riyadh2024
Project Data
Client
Government Entity
Date
2024
Location
Diriyah, Riyadh
Category
Renovation
Status
Completed
Duration
11 months
Consultant
Specialist heritage conservation consultant
About the Project
Restoration and rehabilitation of a standing mudbrick building, including treatment of rising damp, strengthening of load-bearing walls, and replacement of failed timber elements with matching sections and species.
The Challenge
Modern cement-based materials trap moisture inside a mud wall and accelerate its failure — yet they are the fastest and cheapest option.
Engineering Solution
The cement route was rejected outright. The mud mix was reproduced to ratios matched against a laboratory-analysed sample of the original wall — costlier and slower, but the only option that does not kill the building within five years.
Scope of Work
- 01Structural survey and photographic documentation before intervention
- 02Rising damp treatment and foundation isolation
- 03Load-bearing wall strengthening with compatible materials
- 04Replacement of damaged timber elements
- 05Re-rendering in mud plaster to the original mix
Project in Numbers
1,250
m² restored
11
months to deliver