Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Building Pathology & Conservation Services
Established in 1966, we are independent building professionals specialising in resolving complex challenges related to building pathology, architectural conservation, and environmental science. Our expertise spans over five decades, with a focus on minimally invasive investigations and environmentally sound solutions for historic and contemporary structures. We collaborate with heritage organisations, developers, insurers, and private clients across the UK and internationally. Our team combines multidisciplinary skills, including timber identification, damp management, and conservation methods, to deliver holistic advice tailored to each project.We prioritise long-term, cost-effective solutions supported by in-house specialists and external laboratories, ensuring our clients receive accurate diagnostics and remedial strategies. Our work is underpinned by a commitment to innovation, evidenced by our pioneering research into environmental control of timber decay and our role in international building pathology conferences. We operate with transparency, offering guarantees and collateral warranties to affirm our dedication to client satisfaction and industry excellence.
Services
Building Pathology
Architectural Conservation
Damp Surveys
Timber Surveys
Environmental Science
Dry Rot Remediation
Heritage Consultancy
Legal Expert Witness
Technical Laboratory Services
Drone Inspections
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in building pathology and architectural conservation.
- Our team employs minimally invasive techniques and environmentally friendly solutions.
- We work with leading heritage organisations, including English Heritage and The National Trust.
- Our experts utilise drone surveys and advanced diagnostic technology for precise results.
- We provide holistic advice supported by in-house specialists and academic research.
What people say
Depth of knowledge
Environmentally friendly solutions
Thorough investigations
Trusted expertise
Cost-effective advice
Services
Building Pathology
We investigate and resolve building defects, including structural failures, damp, and decay. Our approach combines historical research, on-site inspections, and laboratory analysis to identify root causes. Clients benefit from tailored remediation plans that preserve structural integrity while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Architectural Conservation
Specialising in listed buildings and historic monuments, we conduct detailed condition assessments and conservation management plans. Our work supports heritage organisations in maintaining architectural significance while addressing modern usage needs through minimally invasive techniques.
Damp Surveys
We diagnose rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation using moisture profiling and thermal imaging. Our reports provide actionable solutions to prevent damage, avoiding unnecessary chemical treatments and focusing on environmental control measures.
Timber Surveys
Our surveys identify dry rot, wet rot, and insect infestations in timber structures. We recommend eco-friendly treatments and environmental controls to halt decay, preserving original materials while ensuring structural safety and compliance.
Drone Inspections
We deploy drones for high-resolution roof, chimney, and faade inspections. This technology reduces costs and risks associated with traditional methods, delivering precise data for informed maintenance decisions on large or complex structures.
People
Geoffrey Hutton
Co-Founder
Co-founded Hutton + Rostron in 1966 after research at the RIBA. Pioneered building pathology studies, focusing on material failures and environmental controls. His work established the firm's reputation for innovative, evidence-based solutions in historic building conservation.
Michael Rostron
Co-Founder
Co-founder with Geoffrey Hutton, instrumental in developing the firm's expertise in damp and decay analysis. His leadership in the 1970s addressed Netley House's dry rot issues, shaping the company's focus on environmental remediation strategies.
David Watt
Associate Director
Author of 'Building Pathology: Principles and Practice', David leads technical investigations and publications. His research into moisture dynamics and fungal decay informs industry standards, enhancing the firm's authority in diagnostic and remedial consultancy.
Questions
What services does Hutton + Rostron offer?
We specialise in building pathology, architectural conservation, damp and timber surveys, environmental science assessments, and legal expert witness services for historic and modern structures.
Do you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we collaborate with heritage organisations like English Heritage and The National Trust, providing condition assessments and conservation strategies for listed properties and monuments.
How do you address dry rot?
We focus on environmental controls rather than chemical treatments, targeting moisture sources to halt decay while preserving original timber elements.
Are your surveys non-invasive?
We prioritise minimally invasive techniques, including drone inspections and moisture profiling, to diagnose issues without damaging structures.
Where are your offices located?
Our main office is in Guildford, Surrey, with additional offices in Manchester, Nottinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, covering the UK and international projects.
