Cobblestone Church in Gross Gievietz: Historic Wooden Construction and Potential for Conservation and Use

IRG/WP 11-10760

A Schulze, W Unger

A majority of cobblestone churches situated in the German Federal State Mecklenburg-Vorpommern demonstrates immense construction deficiencies and are threatened by decay. The historic cobblestone church located in Groß Gievitz, built in the 13th century, is one such church in which the roof beam constructions have degraded considerably due to deficiencies in reconstruction measures. This paper documents the current state and deficiencies of the roof constructions. Investigations concerning the history of building were carried out in order to classify the periods of additions and repairs to the building (SCHULZE 2006). Dendrochronological techniques were used to determine the age of the beams and as part of the beam characterization process. Existing beam defects and deficiencies were determined by a wood conservation survey. The causes for deterioration have been identified, and suggestions for remediation made. Mapping and analyses were based on regulations and bulletins of German associations for conservation of monuments and various specialized literature. The results of our research will support the implementation and performance of remediation measures to conserve the roof beam construction and to maintain durability as long as possible.


Keywords: Cobblestone church, dendrochronology, conservation

Conference: 11-05-08/12 Queenstown, New Zealand


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