Oak frame for new Rosslyn Chapel visitor centre

Whilst we’re not new to high profile projects just about everyone here is excited about our involvement with this project.

Project background

Since its completion in the late 15C Rosslyn Chapel has had to endure the mixed fortunes of so many ecclesiastical buildings. With the reformation and indeed some early conservation attempts the buildings fabric has suffered immensely. Despite the very best efforts of the trust and many volunteers it actually took a book and film to substantially turn its fortunes.

Client

Rosslyn Chapel Trust

Architects

Page Park

It is probably fair to say that most of us were completely unaware of this architectural jewel until it was made famous by Dan Brown’s book ‘The Da Vinci Code’ which went on to be made into a highly successful film.

Just 20 minutes outside Edinburgh the Chapel nestles alongside the village of Roslin which it is thought grew up around the Chapel to house the craftsman building it.

Started in 1446 the Chapel took some 40 years to complete. Following the reformation it ceased to be used as a house of prayer and fell into disrepair. In 1650 Oliver Cromwell’s troops sacked Rosslyn Castle but the Chapel was spared. Then followed a long period during which the Chapel went unused and subsequently deteriorated. In 1842 Queen Victoria visited and on seeing its dilapidated state expressed a desire that it be ‘preserved for the country’. In 1862 work by architect David Bryce made the Chapel useable again.

Rosslyn 5 The fabulous interior of the Chapel today but on closer inspection the damage from long term water ingress is very apparent

In the 1950’s further conservation work was carried out. Sadly some of this work such as the application of a protective coating to the carvings and an asphalt roof covering applied in 1915 ultimately caused damage to the walls and carvings.

In 1995 the trust erected a canopy over the entire building to allow the stonework to dry out naturally. In 2004 Dan Brown’s book made the Chapel famous and visitor numbers soared. In 2006 the film further raised the Chapels profile. In 2007 the Chapel was awarded £7m from the HLF and Historic Scotland for major conservation work and an extensive new visitor centre planned for opening in 2010.

Rosslyn 6 A temporary roof over the Chapel is allowing the stonework to dry out naturally. It has now been in place for 10 years!

Rosslyn 7 The existing visitor centre that is to be extended with the new oak framed building designed by Page Park Architects

Designed by Page Park architects in Glasgow the new visitor centre is an extension to the existing and part of a wider contract that includes the conservation of the Chapel.

Rosslyn 1 The new oak framed visitor centre currently in the detailed design phase

Rosslyn 4

The oak frame comprises a green oak post and beam structure up to eaves level supporting longitudinal scissor bracing (inspired by gridshells) fabricated from 120mm x 120mm oak to form the roof structure. To add to the interest the 25m long roof is stepped along its length and rather uniquely the post and beam frame is jointed using resin bonded steel rod and plate connections designed by project engineers Elliott & Company.

Rosslyn 3 The internal oak frame structure with the longitudinal scissor braces clearly visible

The £230k package was won in open tender by our Timber Engineering division. We are currently engaged in a design development and connection detailing phase and anticipate starting fabrication of the frame in our yard towards the end of the year.