Opening alcoves in Victorian house.

[lisnalinchy]

I have a 1900s sandstone with rubble infill built cottage. We are currently preparing to start some renovation work in the two downstairs rooms.

Each room has a central fireplace and a inset cupboard to one side. There are presently no alcoves. We have been considering potentially opening up to either side of the fire as an alcove. This would involve removing a significant amount of infill (probably back to the sandstone) and the cupboard.

What I do know is that the areas to either side of the chimney are not holding up any joists and that if the infill is removed, the sandstone walls would need insulating (though we would ensure an airgap between the insulation and the wall to insure breathability).

I have some questions though.

Would this adversely impact the structural integrity of the wall/chimney?
Would this cause any other issues?
Has anyone here done this, and what their opinion would be?

I suspect that this work would need to be done by a professional, though again I would value your opinion.

Any help would be most appreciated.

 

[LadyArowana]

Hi there and welcome. Sorry I can't help with an answer to your question. Just bumping this up the list of topics as new posters get moderated and things can get lost down the list. Maybe some pictures would help, everyone likes pictures.

 

[xanthe]

Is the property listed? If so, have you spoken to your local Conservation Officer as to whether they would give permission for the project?

Am I correct in understanding that you want to remove some of the existing outer wall in order to create the alcove?