Restoration of the church Sainte-Foy de La Brousse

Condition of the building:

The west facade is gradually separating from the side walls, and cracks are appearing between them. A significant crack is visible at the north buttress. To the south, the cornice and masonry of the nave, at the level of the chancel buttress, have disappeared or are collapsing. Numerous cracks are apparent. To the north, a large hole has formed in the chancel facing. The nave facings are unstable. They show signs of detachment and material loss. Here too, the sloping surfaces of the buttress exhibit disordered masonry. Inside the building, a significant hole has formed in the facing. The deformation of the transverse arches and the sagging of their keystones are visible. The drums of some columns have shifted in accordance with the movement of the arches and vaults. Cracks are visible in the vaults, barrel vaults, and at the rib supports of the chancel. The roof is in ruins. Algae are spreading rapidly.

Probable causes of structural problems:

The building's instability likely stems from the forces exerted by the vaults, which are insufficiently supported by the masonry. While this situation may be inherent to the construction, it is necessarily exacerbated by the serious structural damage to the walls and the concerning condition of the roof. Dampness and vegetation growing within the masonry also contribute to this fragility.

Recommended measures:

A complete assessment of the church should be carried out by a heritage architect. However, pending this assessment and any potential restoration work, emergency repairs must be undertaken to consolidate the building and slow its deterioration. This includes masonry work to fill the large holes in the facing and reinforce the masonry around the major cracks. The buttress slopes must be repaired, as well as the cornice and the nave masonry at the level of the chancel buttress. The keystones of the arches must be secured and the roof must be changed.

Notes: The technical specifications and request for a study have been sent to seven architects who meet the requirements of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC).