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conservation engineers

Celebrating World Heritage Day 2023

On April 18, 2023

April 18^th is World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites. To celebrate this annual occasion, PCA has been reflecting on some monuments we have worked on.

The first one for your perusal is Stoney Littleton Long Barrow. This is a Neolithic chambered tomb with multiple burial chambers, located near the village of Wellow in Somerset. It is an example of the Cotswold-Severn Group and was scheduled as an ancient monument in 1882. The entrance appears as a lintel supported by two jambs. It is 1.1m high and faces towards the south-east.

In 2022, PCA were called in to inspect evident cracking in the lintel over the door opening. Working with English Heritage, we carried out a structural inspection of the barrow, producing a report to confirm our findings and recommendations. The Barrow is open to the public and an internal chamber with a transepted gallery grave associated with three pairs of side chambers and an end chamber. The gallery extends for 12.8m and varies in height from 1.2m to 1.8m.

Next is HMS Drake. Originally built in 1896 and grade II*-listed, this is the final piece of what was formerly known as Keyham Barracks. The clock tower at HMS Drake has been a prominent feature of the naval base and, indeed, Plymouth for more than 115 years at Drake Gate on Saltash Road.

Lastly, the grade II-listed Newton Abbot War Memorial. Built in 1920-22, it was added to after the Second World War and again following later conflicts. The First World War memorial was designed by the borough surveyor, Coleridge Dingle White, and takes the form of a column set on a substantial plinth bearing the names of the war dead on the four faces on bronze plaques. A bronze statue was added by the opening of the memorial in July 1922, which was sculpted and designed by Courtenay Edward Maxwell Pollock as a symbol of victory and freedom.

PCA involvement for both these monuments was to inspect their structural condition and give recommendations and specifications for repair.

Well, these are our top three monuments for 2023’s World Heritage Day. We hope you have enjoyed stepping back in time with us and the conservation engineering work we have carried out to maintain these historical sites.

Thanks to Linda Capon for pulling this information together for us. Until next year….

Conservation work wins recognition

On November 19, 2021

by Sophia Darke

PCA is pleased to announce that we have won recognition for our conservation work on two churches in the south-west.

Our conservation expert Paul Carpenter (far left) was invited to attend the UK Church Architecture Awards held at St Mary Magdalene Church in Paddington, London. The event was hosted by The Ecclesiastical Association of Architects & Surveyors (EASA) and the National Churches Trust.

Two church projects PCA had worked on were shortlisted for these awards.

St Peter’s Church in Knowstone, Devon, won the prestigious King of Prussia Gold Medal. PCA had worked with architects AJ Bunning back in 2017 and 2018. The south doorway of this Grade II*-listed church is thought to be Norman with the main church originating from the 15th century and the north aisle from the 16th.

PCA advised and liaised with timber and plaster conservators on the structural repair to the rood screen stone stair shaft and other stonework repairs. Alison Bunning’s (pictured middle right in main photo) work centred on the discovery and conservation of wall paintings and a rood loft stairway during routine repairs to an area of plasterwork.

St Julitta Church in Lanteglos-by-Camelford, Cornwall, was also shortlisted. PCA worked on this project in 2019 with Chadburn Conservation Architect to advise on the structural repairs and strengthening required to the historic timber roof structure and supporting stonework to accommodate a new slate roof covering.

Paul said: “These were both challenging and rewarding projects where sensitive structural repairs were required to protect the historic fabric. It was an honour to work with such skilled teams of consultants and specialist contractors, and to have two projects recognised nationally.”

Plaque to mark Bridge Chambers spire project

On December 10, 2019

by Sophia Darke

A plaque has been unveiled to celebrate the work carried out on the spire above the Grade-II listed Bridge Chambers owned by Barnstaple charity, The Bridge Trust.

Jonathan Rhind Architects work with The Bridge Trust on all their listed properties and they called on PCA’s lead conservation engineer Paul Carpenter for advice on the spire.

During an inspection of the roof conditions to Bridge Chambers, the architects noticed several large splits in the timber structure of the spire. PCA strategically assessed the spire and advised on the structural timber and intricate internal steel repairs required to not only stabilise it, but to prolong the life of this very prominent Barnstaple landmark too.

The entire project began in 2015 with scaffold support for the winter, with the spire repaired in 2016.

The spire project received a commendation and was the runner-up in the ‘Repairs of a historic building or structure’ category at Devon Historic Building Trust’s Building Conservation Awards 2017.

PCA – serving the needs of Cornwall clients

On November 25, 2019

by Andrew Horton

While we have been based in Devon for 40 years, we have worked for most of these years in neighbouring Cornwall too.

As our illustration shows, we are currently working on numerous projects throughout the county, ranging from National Trust properties to commercial projects, alongside architects and contractors to help create bespoke homes for private clients.

Our engineers can often be seen crossing the Tamar Bridge to visit these sites and new schemes, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a project in Cornwall that may benefit from our structural, conservation and civil engineering expertise.

Whiddon Park House wins conservation award

On November 19, 2019

by Sophia Darke

PCA Consulting was part of the team that worked on Whiddon Park House which has been fortunate to win the ‘Restoration of an historic building or structure’ category at The Devon Historic Buildings Trust Conservation Awards, 2019.

The aim of the awards is to encourage all those who work with historic buildings by acknowledging best conservation practice and good design.

Mark Kingscote, chairman of DHBT said: “We were delighted with the range of entries which covered all aspects of conservation and showcased the professional skills that we are fortunate to have in Devon. It is also gratifying to see that the owners of historic buildings in the county are prepared to accept the best advice and employ the most skilled tradesmen to complete the work whether it is their home or a commercial building.”

Grade II-listed Whiddon Park House was the seat of the Whiddon family from the time of Elizabeth I. The present building dates from the 17th century. It is an attractive granite and slate house with quality stonework set in the River Teign valley, near Chagford.

Whiddon Park House owner Neil Loden said: “Susan and I are delighted that Whiddon Park House received this accolade; a result made possible by great teamwork from all of those who contributed in multiple ways to the great result of bringing the house fully back to life after so many years.”

PCA’s most experienced conservation engineer Paul Carpenter said: “It was real pleasure to work on this very special building with a dedicated experienced team of professionals and contractors. There was tremendous ‘team spirit’ which resulted in a smooth-running project and everyone being proud of their contribution.”

PCA project ‘Highly Commended’ at national awards

On November 15, 2019

by Sophia Darke

PCA is pleased to announce that The Farmers Arms was ‘Highly Commended’ at the LABC Grand Finals.

The project had already won the Best Small Commercial Project at the regional LABC awards and was highly commended at the RICS Awards, South West.

We worked alongside Anthony Branfield Carpentry & Building Ltd, Jonathan Rhind Architects, MXB Devon Operations Ltd, Hannah Lohan Interiors, Michael Grubb Studio and Rathbone Partnership to rescue this dilapidated village pub bought by tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Bebo, Michael Birch.

PCA celebrates 40th anniversary

On November 12, 2019

by Sophia Darke

PCA Consulting Engineers is celebrating its 40^th year as a firm of structural, conservation and civil engineers.

Established in 1979 by Paul Carpenter, the Kingsbridge-based independent business has grown in both size and reputation to provide a friendly, considered and highly professional service.

Now under the leadership of directors Andrew Horton, Ross Carpenter and Sophia Darke, PCA works mainly in the South West with the region’s leading contractors and architects assisting with both commercial and residential projects of all sizes.

Among PCA’s most notable recent projects has been the conservation work for National Trust properties St Michael’s’ Mount, Killerton House and Greenway alongside new-build projects such as the award-winning Dar Gwenen, in Cornwall, and the luxury riverside development, The Yealm.

Andrew said: “I have been with PCA for 22 years and am proud to work for a firm that has stood the test of time for four decades and continues to strive for the best possible outcomes for our clients.

“PCA has won numerous awards during this time but has also nurtured the careers of many young engineers and technicians.”

PCA currently offers the services of eight engineers and three technicians supported by finance director Sophia and an administration team.

Andrew added: “The engineering side of construction may not always be the most obvious element of any building or conservation project, but our comprehensive advice and our pragmatic solutions ensure these projects are entirely fit for purpose, while meeting the design requirements of the client and their architect. This work ethic has served us well for 40 years and hope it will serve us just as well for another 40!”

New premises for Selworthy Veterinary Group

On June 7, 2019

by Ross Carpenter

This existing agricultural building has been converted into a veterinary practice for Selworthy Veterinary Group.

Architects Andrew Lethbridge successfully gained planning approval to convert the redundant steel framed farmer’s shed.

The challenge was designing the new elements of the building, such as the first floor, insulated walls and roof, around the original steel framed structure.

This was all achieved with careful thought and use of different building solutions and additions to the structure.

Lilburn & Elliott Construction was the main contractor on the project, who successfully undertook the building and conversion work to give Selworthy a great building designed around their needs and future growth.

PCA has undertaken many building conversion projects over the years, mostly for residential purposes, but also commercial, office use and retail. Working with a local veterinary practice was a learning curve and one which we’re proud off. We wish Selworthy all the best in their new premises.

Award success for PCA projects

On June 4, 2019

by Sophia Darke

PCA is pleased to announce that two of their projects were winners at the recent LABC Regional Building Excellence Awards.

The award ceremony was attended by 350 guests at the Crowne Plaza Plymouth on May 24.

The winner of the Best Individual New Home was Dar Gwenen. We worked with contractors Doyle & Whitley Ltd and Harrison Sutton Architects on this project to build a unique coastal home in Downderry, Cornwall.

Meanwhile, the winner of the Best Small Commercial Project was The Farmers Arms in Woolsery, Devon.

We worked alongside Anthony Branfield Carpentry & Building Ltd, Jonathan Rhind Architects, MXB Devon Operations Ltd, Hannah Lohan Interiors, Michael Grubb Studio and Rathbone Partnership to rescue a dilapidated village pub bought by tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Bebo, Michael Birch.

This project had also been highly commended at the RICS Awards, South West held on May 22.

Both projects will be entered into the LABC Grand Finals, which will take place in London on November 8.

Director Andrew Horton said: “These projects demonstrate the diversity of expertise within PCA. We are equally happy working on a conservation project as we are on a new build. We will keep our fingers crossed for the Grand Finals and extend our congratulations to all the other firms that we worked alongside on Dar Gwenen and The Farmers Arms.”

Projects shortlisted for RICS Awards

On May 13, 2019

by Sophia Darke

PCA Consulting Engineers is delighted to see projects the firm has worked on being shortlisted for the RICS Awards 2019, South West.

RICS Awards recognise excellence in the built environment and showcase the successes of RICS professionals and their impact on local communities. The South West ceremony will be held at the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre on May 22.

The Farmers Arms in Woolsery, Bideford, has been shortlisted for both the Building Conservation and Tourism & Leisure categories, while Furzy Close in Polzeath, Cornwall, has been selected for the Residential shortlist.

PCA worked with Jonathan Rhind Architects on The Farmers Arms to rescue a dilapidated village pub bought by tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Bebo Michael Birch.

Meanwhile, Furzy Close is a contemporary, low energy holiday home, designed by Bodmin-based architects ARCO2.

PCA director Andrew Horton said: “It’s great to see these two very different projects get the recognition they deserve. While one is about conserving an older building to breathe life into the heart of a village, the other is about modernity and eco-living. We look forward to seeing how they do and congratulate the architects and contractors we worked with on both these very successful projects.”