News
Cathedral roof raised in Dominica
A hurricane resistant steel roof structure has been manufactured and erected by REIDsteel for the renovation of a historic cathedral in the Caribbean.
The Dorset-based company has completed the work as part of the project to breathe new life into the Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral in Roseau, the capital of Dominica.
The Roman Catholic Community, under the leadership of Gabriel Malzaire, Bishop of Roseau, is spearheading the scheme to restore the iconic building for worshippers and the community after it suffered hurricane damage.
REIDsteel carried out the structural design, drawing work and fabrication of the roof’s 60t steel frame, purlins and ceiling supports – all at its site in Christchurch. It then arranged for shipment to the Caribbean island.
REIDsteel Project Engineer Richard Hanson said: “The placement of the steelwork for the new roof was a landmark moment in the long-running renovation of the cathedral.
“It was an unusual project as our structure is fixed on top of the reconstructed reinforced concrete columns and arches of the original Cathedral.
“The accurate survey work provided by the Diocesan Engineer, Bernard Lauwyck, helped us overcome the tolerance differences between a steel frame and a traditional masonry/concrete construction.
“Because of its complexity, we manufactured all of the steelwork in Dorset. The new roof will be hurricane resilient and will help the community reclaim its much-cherished cathedral.”
The new roof frame includes 44t of galvanized structural steel and 15t of steel purlins and ceiling supports.
REIDsteel has worked on a total of 17 buildings in Dominica in recent years, including three churches, a supermarket and several commercial properties.