Many of the UK’s churches, cathedrals and ecclesiastical buildings date back hundreds of years and are monuments of national historic importance. In order to protect these buildings and ensure they remain structurally sound for future generations to enjoy, it is important to choose a practice with extensive specialist experience of delivering church and ecclesiastical structural engineering services.
AWA Engineers is a structural engineering practice with extensive experience of designing structural design solutions for the conservation, preservation and alteration of churches, cathedrals, ecclesiastical and other religious buildings and monuments.
From carrying out detailed specialist structural surveys to recommending remedial works, or completing structural calculations for structural changes, additions or extensions, our knowledgeable team provides pragmatic advice.
Our team have provided structural engineering services for some of the UK’s most historic ecclesiastical buildings, giving them a unique understanding of the challenges projects of this nature can present, from shallow foundations to vaulted ceilings, stunning spires to hidden underground chambers, no two projects are the same.
Over the years the team has been involved in projects including extensions and additions to existing historic structures for the provision of new visitor centres or upgraded facilities, as well as providing structural calculations and specifications for new structures with impressive architectural elements.
You will benefit from our skills and experience to help you navigate the specific structural requirements of your project whether it is a historic, listed building, a new build place of worship or anything in between.
Structural engineering for churches, cathedrals, historic ecclesiastical buildings and new build religious buildings, is a specialist area due to the variety of ages, structures and styles of the buildings involved.
Many of the UK’s religious buildings are of historic importance and require careful preservation and conservation work to keep them in safe, usable condition. Traditional craftsmanship using specialised materials such as lime-crete, or buildings featuring hidden underground chambers and built on shallow foundations pose particular challenges to be overcome safely in order to effect sensitive repairs.
Conversely, modern, new-built churches and religious buildings often incorporate impressive architectural features, requiring structural considerations to ensure large, vaulted spaces can accommodate sufficient people whilst offering excellent acoustic properties.
If you are responsible for the building or maintenance of churches, cathedrals or other religious buildings, you are likely to need the specialist input of structural engineers with specific experience in these types of buildings.
From surveying the structure, vaulted roofs, spires and towers to providing structural advice, calculations and specifications for additions or new builds, a project of this nature will need the services of a suitably qualified and experienced engineer.
"The service and professionalism we experienced was second to none. Really happy with the recommendations they provided on our project. Clean and easy to deal with. They know their stuff!"
James Barber, Client
Client: Dean & Chapter, Project Pilgrim
Architect: St. Ann’s Gate Architects
The practice has recently been appointed for this significant HLF funded project to improve the facilities at the Cathedral.
The project involves re-landscaping the south side of the Cathedral, new lobby, shop, visitor facilities, lift and masonry repairs to the east end.
Client: Dean & Chapter
Andrew Waring was appointed Consulting Engineer in 1992 for all projects at the Cathedral. Work has included the whole Major Repair Programme for the fabric, encompassing tower, spire, west front, and all roof structures. New projects have included the Plumbery Restaurant and Shop and more recently Little Paradise, the new toilet and storage facilities; both winners of Salisbury Civic Society Awards.
Awards: RIBA South-West 2014 – Finalist
Client: Worcester Cathedral
Value: £1m
Architect: Acanthus Clews
Adaption of the mediaeval Undercroft at Worcester Cathedral into a new education centre. New stair and lift access were provided by removing a modern brick vault which replaced the earlier collapsed section of mediaeval vault. The floor level was carefully reduced by removing later added concrete and replaced with a lime-crete floor. New foundations comprised shallow raft foundations to avoid disturbing the archaeology. Vaulting was repaired and stabilised as necessary.
AWA is a structural engineering and civil engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has chartered engineers in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA can help with your project, get in touch today. Call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team. Alternatively, email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch.
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