Construction diary

June 21, 2024

On June 21, 2024, a construction meeting was held with a large group (approximately 20 people) including the project manager, the general planner, and representatives from the authorities. The general planner explained the status and schedule:

Previous expert reports were based solely on visual inspection, without opening up building components. This yielded only limited insights, resulting in incomplete assessments. Despite extensive archival research, only some plans were found, for example, none for the roof structures. Therefore, opening up building components is now necessary to gain further insights. These measures will also need to be put out to tender. Furthermore, usable plans must first be drawn up, detailing aspects such as wall thicknesses and pipework.

Prioritization must be made within the public funding budget. Specifically, this means that the foundation board must decide which measures will be implemented first.

However, the first essential step is the repair of the roof, walls, and windows—that is, the building's exterior. This also includes securing the roof against storms, because otherwise, irreversible damage could occur throughout the entire castle after the roof renovation due to moisture penetration during strong winds. Not to mention the dependence the newly renovated roof would have on the building's structure.

Regarding the timeline: due to the difficulties described, planning may not be completed until July 2026; in the meantime, only safety measures can be implemented. Once the contracts for the various trades have been tendered and awarded after July 2026, construction can realistically begin in July 2026. Completion is expected no earlier than 2031.