This webinar will examine the restoration of the historic church at Tortuga as a practical example of conserving a significant timber heritage structure. The presentation will focus on the major issues encountered during the project, including deterioration of timber elements, termite infestation, foundation movement caused by challenging soil and hillside conditions, protection of stained glass windows, and the need to balance structural safety with heritage authenticity.
It will also outline the steps taken to address these challenges, such as technical assessments, careful removal and reinstallation of delicate features, stabilisation works, specialised timber repairs, coordinated project management, and ongoing maintenance planning. Through this case study, participants will gain insight into the complexities of restoring sacred built heritage in a tropical environment, as well as the importance of community commitment, expert collaboration, and long-term stewardship in preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s architectural legacy.
Speaker
Ms Danielle Steele
Structural Engineer/ Director Danielle Steele Consultancy
Danielle Steele is an accomplished structural engineer with over twenty years of professional experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Post Graduate Diploma in Construction on Engineering and Management.
Over the course of her career, Ms. Steele has specialised in structural engineering and restoration, dedicating eighteen years to this particular field. Her background encompasses seven years in the private sector, six years within the oil and gas industry, and seven years as founder and principal of Danielle Steele Consultancy. Her technical expertise extends across residential and commercial projects, including educational, institutional, cultural, leisure, and onshore facilities.
Ms. Steele is an active member of prominent organisations such as the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT), the Board of Engineering of Trinidad and Tobago (BOETT), and is a graduate member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). Her affiliations further include the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the National Trust of Trinidad & Tobago, and Citizens for Conservation Trinidad and Tobago, underscoring her dedication to conservation and restoration initiatives.
Throughout her career, Ms. Steele has contributed to both design and on-site construction on supervision, applying her expertise to numerous restoration projects across Trinidad and the Caribbean. Some notable projects are the restoration of St Joseph RC Church—the oldest church in Trinidad—Our Lady of Montserrat RC Church in Tortuga, the Lopinot Heritage Complex, and the Old Treasury Building in St Ki s. Danielle Steele's extensive experience and commitment to structural engineering and restoration exemplify her significant contributions to the preservation of architectural heritage in the region.