Projects

1. Assomption Church of Lauriere

The church, dating from the 13th century, was located outside the village. It was the former church of Saint-Michel de Laurière (the Cassini map shows its former location). It was rebuilt between 1833 and 1835 in the village itself and in the outbuildings of the former château. Unfortunately, there is no iconographic record of the reasons for this demolition and reconstruction. The renovation gave the church a rather distinctive look, combining the massive appearance typical of Limousin Romanesque churches with a touch of modernity in the stonework, without adopting the questionable aesthetic of the 19th century rebuilders. It has the feel of a traditional building typical of the region. However, the existence of a dome on a pendant in the former church of Saint-Michel is questionable. It was renovated in 1992.

2. Renovation programm

• Waterproofing work

Problems of water infiltration have been noted on the roofs, walls and floors. As far as the roofs are concerned, gutters will first have to be installed on the bell tower and all the existing gutters and downpipes will have to be monitored. The zinc work will also be examined and replaced if necessary, in particular any defective flashings. The roof will undergo a complete overhaul, with the replacement of slates in poor condition and the removal of undergrowth.

It will also be necessary to ensure that the masonry on the terraces is watertight, in keeping with the bell tower. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely resolve the problem of water seeping through the walls and paving. However, it will be possible to limit it by installing external perimeter drainage on the north and west facades.

• Safety work

The safety work will begin with monitoring and repairing the cracks in the cupola. Soundings will be taken to assess the precise nature of the work to be carried out, ranging from simple plaster repairs to reinforcement. It will also be necessary to treat the two water inlets that have damaged the masonry at the top, and to probe the vaults in these areas to determine the extent of the damage. In addition, the crack on the right wall of the choir will have to be removed and then reshaped, which will require plastering to be repaired to achieve a suitable aesthetic appearance.

The second crucial safety point concerns the technical equipment. The technical inspector’s report reveals a large number of electrical non-conformities that need to be addressed. These mainly concern the following points: the entire circuit needs to be earthed, and the electrical panels in the boiler room and the church need to be completely overhauled due to the lack of differential circuit breakers and outdated wiring, which can lead to a fire hazard in the event of a power surge. In addition, the church has no emergency and evacuation lighting, so it would be necessary to provide emergency evacuation lighting by means of a fixed installation providing access to the outside by lighting paths, exits, safety signs, obstacles and change of direction signs. The boiler and boiler room must also be brought up to standard, in line with the recommendations of the inspection body. Finally, fire safety must be ensured by installing suitable fire extinguishers and making it possible to open both doors.

• Comfort and aesthetic procedures

The comfort and aesthetic improvements are designed to enhance the building’s heritage character. These works are not related to safety issues, but help to enhance the building’s appearance. On the outside, the masonry is in generally good condition, and can be restored to its original appearance with a simple cleaning and removal of dust. The wooden joinery could also be painted, and the stained glass windows gently cleaned by a specialist firm.

The big job concerns the interior walls. They need to be stripped to remove the cement rendering and coated with a natural lime rendering. This work will help to preserve and enhance the architectural heritage of the church in Laurière.