Cintec Technology Aids in Restoration of Award-Winning 12th-Century Castle
Patented anchors used at Astley Castle
CINTEC International, a leader in the field of structural masonry retrofit strengthening, repair and preservation, announced that its patented anchors were used in the restoration of Astley Castle in Nuneaton, North Warwickshire, U.K. Following its renovations, Astley Castle was awarded the prestigious Riba Stirling Prize for Architecture.
Cintec teamed up with architects and engineers from Mann Williams and Newport-based Protectahome to restore the castle. Cintec assisted Protectahome with the first phase of restoration, which included structural repairs and stabilizing the remaining walls of the building prior to rebuilding. Cintec’s patented anchors were used to stitch together and strengthen the walls.
The process of restoring Astley Castle involved using a diamond drill to insert steel anchors into the building. Once in place, grout was pumped into a special sleeve surrounding the anchor, and air was pumped out. Cores removed during this process were retained and reused where the anchors were installed, leaving an almost invisible repair. The work has ensured the survival of the original walls, allowing the award-winning holiday home to be built within the shell of the ancient castle.
The Riba Stirling Prize is the U.K.’s most prestigious architectural award. Judging is based on original, imaginative and well-executed designs that excellently meet the needs of their users and inspire those who use and visit them.
Cintec anchors have been used to restore historically significant buildings across the globe, including Windsor Castle, the White House and extensive work on Egypt’s pyramids.
A video tour of the house is available on the “ribaarchitecture” YouTube channel. The final project worked to a 60:40 ratio of old to new masonry construction.
About the Author
CINTEC America is a structural masonry retrofit strengthening, repair and preservation company. For more information, email solutions@cintec.com, or visit www.cintec.com.