Client
Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster
Value
£60k
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Heritage & Listed Concrete Repair Coatings Cleaning & Preparation
St Aloysius Church in London, constructed in the mid-1960s, replaced one of the earliest churches of the Catholic Revival and remains a notable example of modern ecclesiastical architecture. The building features a distinctive elliptical brick drum, concrete clerestory, and raised flat-roofed brick podium, with the taller presbytery and narthex framing the structure. Many of its original 1960s fittings have been retained, contributing to its historical and architectural significance.
CRL was appointed to undertake targeted concrete repairs following a detailed condition survey, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic preservation. The project aimed to address deterioration while maintaining the building’s character, with a strict seven-week programme to minimise disruption.
Services Undertaken
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Site establishment
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Erection of access scaffolding
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Concrete repairs to structural elements
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Application of fairing coat
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Application of Keim sol-silicate mineral paint
CRL initiated the project with careful site establishment and erection of access scaffolding, ensuring safe and efficient working at height around the church’s complex geometry. Following this, intensive concrete repair works were carried out in line with the detailed survey assessment, addressing areas of spalling, cracking, and surface degradation. All repairs were designed to restore the structural and aesthetic quality of the original concrete, with careful profiling to match existing surfaces.
Once repairs were completed, a fairing coat was applied to provide a uniform substrate and ensure smooth integration with the original finishes. CRL then applied a sol-silicate mineral paint, selected for its semi-transparent finish and ability to form a chemical crystalline bond with the concrete substrate. This mineral paint provided a colour wash that enhanced visual consistency while offering long-term protection against environmental exposure. The project was delivered within the agreed seven-week timeframe, demonstrating CRL’s planning precision, workflow coordination, and ability to manage complex concrete repairs in a heritage-sensitive setting.
"It was a pleasure working on this project. The client was really helpful in assisting us to carry out the works on the occupied building."
Khalid Rahmany | Project Manager | CRL
The restoration works at St Aloysius Church have enhanced the long-term durability and resilience of the structure, reducing future maintenance requirements and extending its service life. By integrating advanced mineral-based coatings with targeted structural repairs, CRL provided a sustainable solution that preserves the architectural integrity and aesthetic value of the mid-century design.
The project highlighted CRL’s expertise in delivering complex structural repairs UK in sensitive environments, with careful planning, precise execution, and effective stakeholder coordination ensuring operational continuity and safe access throughout.
The combination of concrete repair, protective coatings, and high-quality workmanship ensures the church is safeguarded for future generations, reinforcing both asset management and heritage preservation objectives.
