Quinquennial Inspection Report - Diocese of Durham

Report prepared by:
David Beaumont RIBA AABC
Beaumont Brown Architects LLP, The Old Brewery, castle Eden, Co Durham. TS27 4SU
dsb@beaumontbrownarchitects.co.uk
01642 700803
Date of inspection and weather conditions - 14 November 2011. Cloudy, cold.
Date of report- February 2012
Date of previous report – December 2006
1. Executive summary
The exposed concrete frames surrounding windows in the south nave are showing some signs of
movement albeit this is historical. As is the movement to the walling at the junction of the South and
West elevations. The external concrete columns on the apse and South elevation of the chancel are
spalling, as are previous repairs. The overhanging concrete soffits of the nave, chancel and apse
roofs are also spalling. The nave glazing is troublesome in repair and is consequently draughty and
insecure.
The principal issue facing the church apart from routine items are:
Repair of external concrete elements.
Longer term solution to the nave glazing, particularly the South elevation.
2. Previous Repairs
The following repairs have been undertaken since the last report:
Introduction of new altar.
Creation of adjoining parish room (Stella Maris Room).
Redecoration of church.
Flashband flashing on porch to replace stolen lead.
Cleaning of kitchen/disabled lavatory drainage.
Removal of overgrown conifer hedge to West of garden of remembrance.
Replacement kitchen units and window.
Tree maintenance at East boundary of garden of remembrance.
Creation of paved patio to French doors in the Stella Maris room.
Repairs to hot water system.
3. Description
The church was completed in 1957 to the design of Cordingley and McIntyre Architects and consists
of:
Three bay nave; chancel with apse; vestry; toilets and kitchen (referred to as ancillary buildings in
the report). There is a vestibule to the West End.
The main body of the church is of concrete portal frame supporting a shallow pitched concrete roof
clad in copper. Infill walls are facing brickwork. The North and South elevations are punctuated with
tall concrete framed windows with exposed aggregate panels below.
The ancillary areas are of load-bearing brickwork supporting flat concrete roofs faced in mineral felt.
The heating is by a gas-fired boiler situated in the remodelled parish rooms.
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