St. Finbarr's Church

St. Finbarr's Church, Bantry, Co. Cork

Client:

Denis O'Sullivan & Associates, Consulting Engineers

Architect:

The following case study outlines the process that was undertaken in St. Finbarr's Church, Bantry for the re-conditioning of the existing church seats, and bespoke joinery works.
St. Finbarr's Church is a large T-plan, barn church with a pitched slate roof, ogee profile cast iron gutters and circular cast iron rainwater pipes, built in 1826 and it is a protected structure (RPS. No. 00746). The façade has projecting quoins at the front corners, which project up the pediment in the centre of the tympanum to the front elevation and to the transepts is a louvred circular opening. The walls of the church are built of limestone, with dressed quoins, a string course at impost level and a cornice, they are set on a projecting plinth.

Introduction:

The original seating layout was to be changed. This meant two original seats were to be re-moulded to form one longer seat. Other existing seats were to be sanded down, varnished and new kneelers attached. Some seats were beyond repair so new seats were designed and manufactured in yellow pine and conditioned for a pitch pine finish to match the existing.

All new doors required were designed and manufactured to match the existing doors in mahogany. Due to a new lobby entrance constructed, existing mouldings were removed and replaced with replica new mouldings in mahogany also.

Storm proofing of existing stain glass windows to prevent any weathering of the stain glass without obscuring any of the natural light.

Scope of Works:

8.5mm laminated glass was used for the storm proofing. T-Bars were installed and fixed with stainless screws to hold the laminated glass in the place. Soffit vents were fitted to the bottom to fill the void between the existing stained glass window and the new storm glazing.

Installation:

To complete this project to the highest standard, all surrounding area's were made good and were decorated all internal walls with specifically chosen colours to enhance the special features in the building.

Completion: