Restoration and Conservation in Berlin
Furniture restoration and heritage work: Dipl.-Restaurator (FH) and carpenter
Heritage-listed Berlin period buildings place their own demands on the trade: the historic fabric is to be preserved while meeting present-day standards. Agreeing the work with the heritage authority is the owner's or the architect's part; ours is the craftsmanship. Erik Erdmann is a Dipl.-Restaurator (FH) and has worked on buildings like these for over 20 years.
Why a Dipl.-Restaurator for heritage work?
Work on a heritage-listed building is agreed with the heritage authority by the owner or the architect. Erik Erdmann completed the conservation degree at the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, a dual and strongly practice-based course, and knows the historic construction techniques, materials and working methods involved.
Furniture restoration in Berlin
Old and antique furniture comes back into use: shellac polishing, veneer repair, missing parts made good, fittings restored. The work combines traditional techniques with modern restoration materials, and an individual concept is worked out for each piece.
We look at the piece first and work out with you what a restoration can achieve. The restoration is done in the workshop in Treptow.
If it should be a new piece instead: furniture made to measure
What we restore
Historic Windows & Doors
Restoration and reconstruction of box-sash windows, panelled doors, frames and hardware. The historic appearance is kept, while the seals and the action are improved.
Wall Panelling and Other Building Elements
Repair and reconstruction of panelled doors and historic wall panelling based on original findings. Exact reproduction of profiles and ornamental details.
Antique Furniture Restoration
Antique furniture: shellac polishing, veneer repair, and replacement of missing parts. Traditional techniques and modern restoration materials, with an individual concept for each piece.
Heritage Restoration Projects
Traditional Materials & Techniques
We work with many historical materials and techniques: shellac polishing, bone glue, hide glue, and where necessary we reproduce historical wood joints. We also use modern materials and techniques in restoration where they give the best result. Restoration does not mean turning old into new, and it has nothing to do with sanding down and repainting.
How a restoration runs
We look at what is there
We start by looking at what has survived and where the damage is. Only then can we say what can be repaired and what the owner has to clear with the heritage authority.
We propose what to do
You get a proposal for which parts are repaired, made good or reproduced, with the materials and a quote. The quote and the invoice record what was done, how, and with which materials. A full written concept or a documentation for the heritage file is available on request.
We restore in the workshop
The work is done in Treptow: old joints opened and reset, missing parts made good in matching timber, finishes built up the way the piece was finished to begin with.
We refit it
Fitted back on site, adjusted, and checked that everything closes again.
Start with a site visit
Planning work on a listed building? We come out, look at what is there, tell you what can be repaired, made good or reproduced, and give you a quote. Agreeing the work with the heritage authority stays with you or your architect; on request we supply the paperwork for it.
Request a site visit