St Giles Cripplegate Church Historic Case Study
st giles cripplegate
Historic Case Study
Project /
St Giles Cripplegate Anglican Church
Client /
Kelley Christ
DESIGN BRIEF
Restoration of the lime-rendered internal walls at St. Giles Cripplegate, an Anglican church located on Fore Street within the modern Barbican complex, following significant water ingress damage. Faux Creation worked closely with architects and the project team to repair and preserve the original structure using breathable plaster compounds and mineral-based paint systems, ensuring durability and historical integrity.
St. Giles Cripplegate, a Grade I listed Anglican church in the historic setting of the Barbican, required meticulous restoration of its lime-rendered internal walls, which had suffered severe water damage over time. Complete re-rendering was not an option, as the original lime render had to be preserved. Faux Creation navigated strict conservation guidelines, ensuring repairs were effective and true to the church’s historic fabric. The team also managed the project within the confines of the church’s ongoing services, ensuring minimal disruption.
process
• Repairing extensive damage using breathable plaster compounds to maintain the integrity of the original lime render.
• Applying Keim mineral silicate paint, known for its durability, breathability, and colour stability, to prevent further water damage. This mineral-based paint is often used in marine environments, offering a highly resistant yet sympathetic finish for historic buildings.
• Using a tonal base coat with translucent washes to seamlessly blend the repaired areas into the original lime-rendered walls, ensuring the damage “disappeared” without affecting the church’s aesthetic.
“St. Giles was a complex and delicate restoration project. We overcame the challenges of working with damaged historic fabric through our innovative breathable systems, achieving a restoration that both respected and preserved the original structure.” — Jason Ebers
PROJECT OUTCOME
Through precise planning, collaboration with specialist suppliers, and a deep understanding of historic restoration, Faux Creation successfully repaired and restored the lime-rendered walls of St. Giles Cripplegate. The result is a flawless, breathable finish that harmonizes with the original structure, preserving the church’s historical significance. The client was thrilled with the seamless restoration, which honoured the church’s legacy while addressing modern conservation needs.
St. Giles Cripplegate, after meticulous restoration by Faux Creation, now stands as a testament to their craftsmanship and commitment to preserving heritage buildings.
“It was brilliant, and akin to working with the specialist craftspeople and conservators we regularly encounter in the heritage sector. Jason and his team listened to our brief and carefully explained the techniques that would help achieve the effects required, before demonstrating these with sample work for approval.” - Kelley Christ - Client
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