Restoration – National Building Contractors

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit Abbey Church

December 18, 2017
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The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is a 2,000-acre enclave in our hometown of Conyers, GA. Their beautifully elegant Abbey Church is regarded as “Georgia’s Most Remarkable Concrete Building” for several reasons, including a soaring tower where three bells toll daily. Built in the 1940’s of poured concrete by the monks themselves, this remarkably restrained architectural marvel attracts visitors from the world over.

So when the brothers needed to repair the middle bell (named Gabriel), gentle, precise expertise was required. Working with Chimemaster and Heaton Erecting, we carefully enlarged the center window opening so the bell could be removed for repairs. After Gabriel was returned to his perch, we artfully restored the opening to its original proportions, maintaining the integrity of the design. This kind of historic restoration is just one example of our comprehensive commitment to bring the highest craftsmanship to every project.

Emory University of Oxford

December 18, 2017
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It is always our honor to be entrusted with the protection and restoration of historically important buildings; Seney Hall is one such example. Built in 1881, the administration facility is the most iconic structure on the campus. It features a soaring bell and clock tower plus distinctive architectural detailing that evokes a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

We carefully replaced the slate mansard roof sections and cornices with historically correct materials, maintaining the architectural integrity of the building. The brickwork and flat roofs were restored. Intricate metal work was woven into the weatherproofing membrane—copper, stainless steel, and pre-finished Kynar dressed the flashing details. Matching the mortar and brick required painstaking efforts by diligent craftsmen to blend the repaired areas of brickwork throughout the exterior walls.

The results were spectacular; the heart of the campus—and the entire town—has its most important building in top shape for a new generation of enjoyment. The historic 1796 bell resides safely and soundly in a tower protected for years to come.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit

December 2, 2017
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The Monastery of the Holy Spirit recently honored their mission and history in the creation of a new visitors center. True to their values of preserving the past while leading the way forward, the brothers chose to incorporate a historic barn into the plan. The result is an extraordinary facility that melds old and new architecture seamlessly on one campus.

We put a state-of-the-art metal roofing system on the entire facility. A highlight of the project was expertly installing the gambrel style roof on the old barn section. It was important the detailing specified by the architect be achieved just as the design called for. We were working on a restored brick building with the inherent challenges that entails. Great care must be taken in the construction process to not damage the facade. A gambrel roof has several intersection points where the roof changes angles. Precision is required to ensure those joints seal perfectly and the integrity of the building is protected from the elements.

The result is an extraordinary facility that functions efficiently while creating the kind of visitor experience the brothers envisioned. The reflective roofing system saves energy and meets the client’s goal of positive environmental impact. The look of the roof is an essential aspect of the greater design scheme. We are delighted to have been part of the project.