At Southern Sheeting, we take pride in providing materials that help preserve and rejuvenate architectural treasures. One recent project perfectly captures this ethos: Ben Kilner’s repair of his 100-year-old workshop using high-quality steel sheets supplied by Southern Sheeting.
The Project
Nestled in the Sussex countryside, this century-old potting shed and stables had seen better days. Left locked and unused for some time, Ben’s aim was to restore the building and use it as a workshop.
Ben soon discovered that decades of neglect had left the structure’s roof unfit for purpose. This meant the building was damp and full of accumulated dust and debris. Ben was determined to restore this historic structure, preserving its character while ensuring it remained functional for years to come.
Why Steel Sheets?
The choice of material was clear— galvanised steel sheets provide durability, weather resistance, and a timeless aesthetic. Our advisors worked closely with Ben to ensure that the profile, finish, and thickness matched the workshop's requirements and charm.
Meet Ben Kilner
At the heart of this ongoing restoration project was Ben Kilner, a skilled craftsman and passionate advocate for creativity and restoration. Ben describes himself as being "on a mission to inspire a million people to make, restore and explore."
Ben’s meticulous approach and deep appreciation for craftsmanship ensured that the workshop’s character was preserved while making the necessary upgrades to improve its functionality. His expertise and enthusiasm are bringing this century-old building back to life, and, judging by the active comment sections under his videos on YouTube, inspiring others to take on their own restoration projects too.
The Process
Ben is undertaking a thorough restoration of the former potting shed and stables, with previous videos in his series documenting the complete rebuild of the chimney stack and his efforts to repoint a significant proportion of the building.
The video highlights the step-by-step restoration:
- 1. Assessment: The original roof was carefully inspected to determine what needed to be replaced and what could be retained.
- 2. Material Selection: Profile steel sheets from Southern Sheeting were chosen for their robustness and suitability for agricultural and heritage applications. Ridge profiles and valley troughs were also required to ensure efficient drainage.
- 3. Installation: Ben removed the old, rusted and rotten roofing materials, and the new steel sheets were installed precisely, ensuring a perfect fit and finish.
The Results
The workshop now boasts a roof that complements its historic character while providing modern-day functionality.
Customer Feedback
Ben said “It has been a pleasure working with Southern Sheeting from start to finish. Everything was spot on. Special thanks to Jim the delivery driver!”
Be Inspired
This project is a testament to the power of quality materials and skilled craftsmanship. With Ben’s expertise and Southern Sheeting’s products, a piece of history has been preserved and enhanced.
Ready to start your restoration journey? Contact Southern Sheeting today to learn more about our range of steel sheets and other materials.
Ben has over 1 million followers across his social media platforms, you can find links at benkilner.com
