St. Martin's Church Kortrijk

What did we implement?

In restoring the lantern, we performed several specialized works to strengthen the structure and restore its appearance. The project included:

Leadwork restoration and renovation:

• The existing lead lining was completely checked. Loose nails were removed and replaced with longer and thicker nails.
• Cracks and damage in the lead were carefully repaired to prevent further degradation.

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Repair of metal and wooden structures:

• The metal railings were sanded and re-treated to protect them from corrosion and maintain their aesthetics.
• The vertical wooden joists not covered with lead were inspected, sanded and repainted to extend their life.
• The horizontal beams of the bell holes were lined with lead and then repainted, providing additional weather protection.

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Waterproofing:

• The ground surface was completely re-waterproofed to prevent moisture from penetrating the structure and causing long-term damage.

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Stephan stresses the importance of precision in this work, "Restoring a historic monument like St. Martin's Church requires craftsmanship and attention to detail. Every element, from the leadwork to the wooden structures, had to be restored with care to preserve the original appearance."‍

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Challenges and approach

This restoration project presented some complex challenges. One of the biggest challenges was working at considerable heights, which required thorough planning and a safe working environment. Here, coordination with Maes' crane operator from Bruges was essential to transport materials safely and efficiently.

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In addition, budget control was an important aspect of this project. Since the restoration was part of a tender, everything had to be carried out within the available financial resources. This meant working closely with the architect and the general contractor to find the best solutions that met both technical and financial requirements.

Why is this project special?

The restoration of the lantern of St. Martin's Church is a perfect example of how traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques go hand in hand. Preserving historic heritage requires patience, precision and experience. "You're not just working on a roof or a facade, you're working on history. That's what makes this project so special," Stephan says proudly. Read about Stephan's passion for traditional roofing here.

Careful execution and strong teamwork allowed the lantern of St. Martin's Church to be restored to its former glory. This project proves once again that Tectum Group is a reliable partner for complex restoration work on historical buildings.

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Contact us for your next restoration project.