Sign up: 
Sign up:
Sign up:
Bespoke gothic arch lintels from IG Lintels play an important role in the transformation of an 19th century Carmelite convent, the centrepiece of the new Chichester Free School.
Vacated in 1994 and in disrepair since a fire destroyed its chapel in 2009, the convent in Hunston, West Sussex, required partial demolishing and refurbishment as part of the creation of a new school for over 1280 students.
In a design by Novium Architects and built by Farrans Construction, the new school blocks are linear in form with each wing projecting either side of the newly restored and central convent block which forms the heart of the school.
The new build aspects have been designed to complement the existing convent block – a heritage building which is essential to the character of the site and a valuable asset to the new school.
To ensure the existing convent facades were restored to their former gothic glory, IG Lintels was approached for the design and manufacture of a bespoke double gothic arch lintel.
A 1580mm opening span, incorporating two 650mm wide gothic arch details, with a 430mm rise was specified – increasing the end bearing to extend the distribution of the load to the brickwork.
This lintel replicated the dimensions of an existing opening, ensuring full structural support was restored.
With the new school now open to students from reception through to sixth form, IG’s provision of special lintels ensured Farrans Construction effectively retained the original features of the historic building.
The previously disused convent building is now fully restored and forms the heart of the Chichester school development, demonstrating the importance of restoring buildings of such architectural significance.
To read about IG Lintels bringing character and thermal efficiency to homes in Bedfordshire, click here.
Download IG Brick Slip Feature Lintels Brochure
Digital Construction Week (DCW) returns to ExCeL London on 4 – 5 June 2025 with its most impactful programme yet. It brings together the best and brightest from across AECO, for two days of practical learning and idea sharing.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry Events, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Building Systems, Exhibitions and Conferences, Information Technology, news, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Seminars
Senior Architectural Systems has installed its first on-site beehive, marking another step forward in its commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Curtain Walling, Doors, Glass, Glazing, Innovations & New Products, news, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency, Walls, Windows
An experienced carpenter and building site manager who has recently set up his own company is using high performance panel products from the West Fraser range.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Systems, Case Studies, Garden, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency, Timber Buildings and Timber Products
Ecological Building Systems, a leading supplier of natural building products for sustainable construction, has revealed its comprehensive CPD programme for the year ahead.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry Events, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Continuing Professional Development (CPD's), Information Technology, Innovations & New Products, Insulation, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Seminars, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency, Training, Walls, Waste Management & Recycling