Holy Trinity Church

[James MerkusParticipant]

Hi,

My team was wondering what structural issues the church has, and if it is currently in use?

Thanks

[Tom NguyenKeymaster]

Hi James, I’m providing a response to yourself and to Patrick Baumann, who’s also asked some queries regarding the Holy Trinity Church

Question (Patrick Baumann)
Good morning Anthony,

I am a student at UniSA studying an Associates Degree in Engineering. My group and I have decided to choose The Holy Trinity Church as our Sustainable Engineering EWB Challenge. We have seen in the information provided on your website that the church has been deemed unsafe for public use and was only available for use with a permit.

We were hoping to get some more information on what the issues are with the church so we could tailor our design and efforts more closely to those issues, rather that provide a broad approach to restoration.

Is there any information you are able to share with us? Anything would be greatly appreciated.

Let me know if you would like me to provide any more information

Kind regards
Patrick Baumann

—

Response
Hello James, Patrick

Here are some some dot points to encourage team discussions and knowledge seeking

– The information provided on the Challenge website speaks to the structural challenges associated with the longevity of the church building itself. Considering the materials used, was there likely an engineer design drafted to steer it’s original construction? Is it clear from the materials used that the building was actually crafted by weaving local knowledge with western science?
– Considering the date it was constructed and materials utilised (the structure features burnt coral, mangrove, and Wongai plum timber, with unreinforced mass concrete foundations, walls, and floors made from crushed coral aggregate, lime cement, and sand) with internally-exposed timber roof trusses, you’ll be able to make some assumptions regarding why there are currently structural issues which prevent usage of the Church without a permit
– Listed as a State heritage building by the QLD Government in 1992. You’ll need to research and factor in costs + heritage planning approvals as part of your design approach.
– Explore the 360 interactive to appreciate the interior aesthetic https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/cdn.learningx.com.au/ewb/TORRES-STRAIT-2024-Saibai-Island/story.html
– We encourage you to do your own research. Here’s a really insightful article released in Jan 2025 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-02/saibai-island-church-beacon-of-hope-as-torres-strait-sea-rises/104729632 which will give you a great appreciation for the importance of the Church as not just a place of faith, but a place of deep cultural connection.
– Your design should target structural restoration, rather than demolition and new build.
– Consider cultural rejuvenation e.g. how could Island culture and artwork be woven into internal and external aesthetics?
– How could local knowledge be integrated into construction activities associated with restoration?.

[Author]

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