Ferguson Mann Architects has taken the wraps off its restoration of Castle House in Bridgwater, which is one of the world’s earliest surviving examples of the use of prefabriated concrete and constructional post-tensioning.

The grade II*-listed Somerset property was built in 1851 as both a family home and as a show house for John Board – a pioneer of concrete construction. It features gothic window frames and pre-cast architectural detailing, while the top floor has concrete vaults supporting the roof.

But the building was disused for many years and gutted by fire. It even featured on the BBC 2 programme Restoration before work began on Ferguson Mann’s exterior revamp in 2009, driven by Save Trust and supported by funding from English Heritage and power firm EDF.

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