St. Augustine Anglican Church

Project Description
St. Augustine Anglican Church is a historic building, 104 years old, located in Petone, Wellington. In 2024, the church underwent a roof replacement, but due to budget constraints, the exterior repainting could not be carried out at the same time. The church committee wanted a full repaint of the building’s exterior, excluding the newly installed Coloursteel roof. The church also needed a thorough assessment of the condition of the high and inaccessible areas of the tower, spires, and crosses.

To overcome these challenges, Programmed utilised advanced drone technology to assess the church’s upper elevations in fine detail, which otherwise would have been difficult or impossible to inspect from the ground. This technology provided precise data and helped us create a more informed and accurate proposal.

Project Solution
Programmed’s use of drone technology allowed us to provide detailed aerial views and high-resolution images of the upper areas of the church tower, spires, and crosses. This allowed us to closely examine the condition of these areas without the need for scaffolding or ladders. The drone also provided a 3D model of the church’s elevations, which helped us plan the restoration work and estimate the amount of paint required.

We presented the church committee with the drone footage and 3D model, giving them an up-close look at the condition of the building, including areas that were out of sight. This transparency was crucial for the committee, as it helped them understand the extent of the work required. The drone inspection also led to an adjustment in the proposal, adding the full stripping of the church’s five main entry doors and including the annex admin building next door in the scope of the project.

Project Outcome
By incorporating drone technology into the inspection and planning phases, we can significantly reduce the need for additional on-site visits. This will improve efficiency and help us provide a precise and cost-effective proposal. The church appreciated the time and effort taken to show them exactly what needed to be done, with clear visuals provided by drone technology.

After the project is completed, the church exterior will be restored to its former glory, with a fresh coat of paint enhancing the overall appearance of the building. The drone also highlighted the need for regular roof maintenance, leading to the introduction of Programmed’s new Drone Washing System. This will help prevent lichen growth on the steep roof, providing a cost-effective and safe solution for long-term maintenance.

Significant Areas of Value Add

• Drone Technology: Enabled precise inspection of hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need for additional scaffolding and manual inspections. The high-resolution images and 3D models provided clear insights into the condition of the building, ensuring accurate and informed planning.
• Environmental and Safety Focus: The drone inspection allowed us to assess the building without disturbing the local environment or creating hazards for the workers.
• Long-Term Maintenance Solution: The introduction of the Drone Washing System for roof maintenance offers a safer, more affordable method of keeping the new roof clear of lichen, which is a common issue on steep roofs.

Key Differences in a Post-Completion Condition
The church building will be fully restored, with the newly painted exterior greatly enhancing its historical beauty. The areas that were once hard to reach, such as the tower spires and crosses, will be thoroughly assessed and repaired, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. The church will look refreshed and protected from future wear.