St Michael & All Angels Church, Pinhoe
Services provided; full architectural services
Completion: due Spring 2012
When we were approached by the PCC, the Vestry at St Michael’s Church (Grade II* Listed) was suffering from advanced wet rot resulting in the collapse of the floor and the wall linings, and the risk of loss of further fabric and room contents without immediate attention. The Church Room, attached to the original Rectory and also Listed, was in a similar, but less advanced, state.
We have worked to diagnose the problems, recommend a remedial works programme, and manage contracts to reinstate the fabric back to habitable condition. We are recommending methods that harmonise with the existing fabric and are sympathetic to the original construction, while meeting as far as possible the demands of modern occupation. By dealing with the source issues and reinstating the building fabric sympathetically, we aim to work with the custodians of these buildings to ensure they remain available to future generations.
The site works have been extended due to the unexpected discovery of a 16th Century fireplace hidden behind the wall. This extensive structure has been opened up and its features are being treated with a light-touch conservation approach; it makes a magnificent feature in the Church Room. This discovery was reported in the local papers here. Corbel Conservation continue to make good progress in the Vestry whilst balancing conservation requirements against the recent high volumes of water ingress.