Issue 41 Spring web - Flipbook - Page 37
The winning repair of
storm-damaged Saltaire
United Reformed Church
Saltaire United Reformed Church (URC) was named the King of Prussia Gold Medal winner at the
National Churches Awards 2023. The award celebrates innovative, high-quality conservation or
repairs. David Bloxam, Head of Architectural Projects of Cliveden Conservation, and Russell Trudgen,
conservation-accredited senior architect and director of Arctic Associates, describe the restoration
process of the storm-damaged church.
Saltaire URC is a remarkable Grade I Listed building within
the Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage Village, attracting
visitors worldwide every year. The church is a glorious
example of Italianate religious architecture in West
Yorkshire and was constructed in 1859 under the guidance
of Sir Titus Salt, mill owner and the renowned congregational church architects Lockwood and Mawson.
Russell Trudgen talks about his involvement with the
project. "Arctic Associates specialises in listed and
heritage buildings, and we were honoured to be asked by
the church to investigate the root cause of the rainwater
penetration. Aided by a high-level platform lift, we could
closely examine and assess the internal condition of the
ceiling plaster, around the collapsed area and externally
the tower, particularly the junction at the eastern apex
and drum.
In 2020, Storm Dennis hit the UK, causing considerable
damage to the church. The ceiling nearest the tower
partially collapsed exposing a troubling issue with water
infiltration through the stonework into the roof space.
The church appointed West Yorkshire-based architectural
practice Arctic Associates Ltd.
Whilst lead cover flashings protected most of the dome
and tower, the lower stone tabling surrounding the drum's
base lacked such shielding. Exposed to the elements,
mortar joints to these stone ledges were vulnerable to
deterioration from frost action and the colonisation by
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Above, Saltaire URC Restored
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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