Heritage survey & diagnostics unit
The Ateliers Enache carry out on-site expertise missions focused on historic buildings, sculpted decoration, and related heritage elements.
In addition to our workshop expertise, this service is intended for architects, project managers, local authorities, heritage institutions, and public or private owners who require precise technical assessment prior to intervention or as part of project monitoring.
These investigations aim to establish an accurate condition assessment, understand deterioration mechanisms, evaluate the authenticity and historical significance of the structures, and define appropriate intervention strategies adapted to each heritage context.
The expertise is based on direct observation, graphic and photographic documentation, surveys, sampling, laboratory analysis, and, when necessary, treatment testing.
01
Condition report
The condition report is the first stage of the expertise process. It is based on a methodical visual examination of the building and its sculpted decoration in order to identify the materials present, any structural disorders, surface alterations, previous repairs, as well as the pathologies affecting the preservation of the work or structure.
In some cases, this phase may include localized, targeted dust removal when soiling hinders the proper reading of surfaces and the identification of deterioration phenomena. This step makes it possible to establish an accurate assessment of the condition and to prioritize the issues observed.
02
Photographic documentation and 3D scanning
The expertise is accompanied by comprehensive visual and graphic documentation, including a complete photographic survey and, where the site configuration requires it, drone photography.
It may be supplemented by 3D scanning using an Artec Eva scanner, enabling precise recording of the morphology, volumes, potential deformations, and surface conditions of the studied elements. This survey helps refine observation, objectify certain deterioration phenomena, produce highly accurate graphic documentation, and provide a reliable reference base for diagnosis, mapping, comparative studies, and preparation of interventions.
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03
Mapping
The graphic and photographic documentation is complemented by thematic mapping and graphic records that make it possible to locate materials, deterioration, structural disorders, and previous interventions.
These surveys facilitate an overall reading of the structure and serve as a decision-support tool for defining appropriate intervention protocols.
04
Sampling, analyses, and climatic monitoring
When the state of conservation or the nature of the deterioration requires it, targeted sampling and analyses may be carried out in order to better understand the observed pathologies and identify the most appropriate treatment solutions.
These investigations may concern the nature of the materials, soiling phenomena, dissolution, disintegration, salt-related issues, or moisture-related deterioration. Climatic monitoring may also be implemented to document the influence of environmental conditions on the preservation of the works and to refine the diagnostic assessment.
05
Surveys and on-site investigations
The purpose of surveys is to complement surface observation with a more in-depth analysis of the structure. These surveys can take the form of targeted drilling or core sampling in the masonry, stratigraphic windows designed to reveal the different layers or successive phases, or non-destructive investigations such as ground-penetrating radar, acoustic testing of plaster, or endoscopic camera inspection. The choice of method is determined by the nature of the substrate, the hypotheses to be tested, and the conservation considerations.
06
Treatment trials
Tests can be carried out to define a specific treatment, tailored to the identified pathologies and compatible with the materials of the artwork. These tests allow for the comparison of different processes and products, particularly for cleaning, consolidation, desalination, or other conservation-restoration interventions. Their evaluation focuses on the visual appearance achieved, the actual effectiveness of the treatment, and its safety, assessed through on-site observations and, if necessary, further laboratory analyses.
