RESEARCH PAPER
Technical and conservation challenges in the design phase of the renovation of the wooden tower and vestibule of the church in Wereszczyn
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1
Wydział Budownictwa i Architektury, Politechnika Lubelska, Lublin, Poland, Polska
2
Wydział Architektury, Akademia Techniczno-Artystyczna Nauk Stosowanych w Warszawie, Polska
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2025-07-22
Acceptance date: 2026-01-07
Publication date: 2026-01-07
Corresponding author
Bartosz Szostak
Wydział Budownictwa i Architektury, Politechnika Lubelska, Lublin, Poland, Polska
Architektura, Urbanistyka, Architektura Wnętrz 2025;(25)
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ABSTRACT
The publication presents the course of work related to the comprehensive renovation of the historic tower and vestibule (babiniec) of the wooden church of St. Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr in Wereszczyn – one of the most valuable examples of wooden sacral architecture in the region. The structure, built in traditional post-and-beam technology, suffered severe damage due to prolonged moisture exposure and advanced biological degradation. Based on detailed geometric surveys and mycological assessments, it was determined that most of the load-bearing timber elements had lost their mechanical properties and could not be preserved.
The article describes the process of digital reconstruction of the structure in the Dietrich’s design environment and the performance of structural analysis, which allowed for a better understanding of the global behavior of the system. The results confirmed multiple exceedances of permissible deflections and stresses, justifying the need for full reconstruction of the tower and vestibule using new materials. The redesign followed the principle of maximum conformity with the historical spatial layout, supplemented with carefully selected reinforcements and modern carpentry connectors to ensure structural safety while respecting the authenticity of form.
The article also addresses the broader conservation context, illustrating how design decisions balance technical requirements with the heritage value of the building. Comparative references to similar restoration projects in Poland and Central Europe highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in the protection of wooden architectural heritage.