At Cadnetics, every project tells a story, and some stories are as rich and inspiring as the structures themselves. Recently, our Reality Capture team had the privilege of working on St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Key West, Florida. Known for its breathtaking stained-glass windows, towering architecture, and central location on Duval Street, this historic church has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. However, the wear and tear of time, the elements, and aging construction techniques have left their mark. That’s where we stepped in to ensure this iconic building gets the care it deserves.
Collaborating with Bender & Associates Architects, a firm with deep roots in historic preservation, we provided precise documentation of the church’s existing conditions using cutting-edge laser scanning technology. This project wasn’t just about creating deliverables; it was about preserving history for generations to come.
The Challenges of Preserving History
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is a striking example of early 20th-century architecture, but it faces a unique set of challenges. Years of exposure to the Florida Keys’ harsh tropical weather have caused cracks in the concrete and other structural damage. These issues, combined with aging construction techniques, have made restoration a priority.
For the church’s caretakers, documenting the building’s current state was the first and most critical step in this journey. Accurate plans and elevations are essential for engineers and contractors to identify structural weak points, plan repairs, and execute restorations effectively. This is where our Reality Capture Services proved invaluable.
Why Reality Capture?
Reality Capture combines the latest in laser scanning technology, point cloud processing, and modeling expertise to document structures with extraordinary detail. Traditional methods of measurement and documentation are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and less accurate. With laser scanning, we can capture millions of data points in just a few hours, creating a digital twin of the structure that provides a complete and precise view.
For architects and engineers working on renovations or retrofits, this means:
- Enhanced Accuracy: Every beam, slope, and arch is captured to within millimeter precision.
- Time Savings: What used to take weeks can now be completed in days.
- Comprehensive Data: The 3D point cloud and detailed drawings provide a foundation for inspections, repairs, and design updates.
The Process: Bringing the Church to Life Digitally
Our team traveled to Key West to complete the laser scanning and documentation process. Over two days, we captured the church’s exterior facades, interior layout, roof structures, and even the challenging bell tower.
- Day 1: We focused on the exterior, scanning the facades, roofing systems, and architectural features from multiple angles. The process required ingenuity, as trees, parapets, and other obstructions needed to be accounted for.
- Day 2: The interior scanning took center stage. From the main hall with its stunning stained-glass windows to the choir balcony and office spaces, every detail was captured with precision.
The scanning process produced an accurate point cloud, a digital representation of the church composed of millions of data points. This data was then used to generate deliverables tailored to the client’s needs, including:
- Detailed floor plans of the main hall and adjoining spaces.
- Ceiling plans with precise measurements of slopes, beams, and other structural elements.
- Elevations of the church’s exterior, capturing its iconic towers and intricate details.
Overcoming Challenges in the Field
Historic preservation projects often come with their fair share of challenges, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was no different. One of the most difficult areas to document was the bell tower. With limited access and tight spaces, physically entering the tower wasn’t feasible. Instead, our team relied on overlapping scans and creative positioning to capture as much data as possible.
Another challenge was the dense tree coverage surrounding the church, which limited visibility in certain areas. To address this, we took scans from multiple vantage points, including across the street, ensuring we captured the towers and other high elements.
Despite these obstacles, the final deliverables provided a complete and accurate representation of the church, empowering the architects and engineers to move forward confidently with restoration plans.
A Bigger Mission: Supporting Preservation and Awareness
Beyond providing technical deliverables, our work at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church contributed to a larger goal: raising awareness and securing funding for its restoration. Using the point cloud data, we generated colorized visualizations that were shared in the church’s newsletter to inspire donors and supporters.
These visuals offer a unique perspective, allowing stakeholders to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the church in a way that traditional photos or drawings can’t. By leveraging modern technology, we helped bridge the gap between past and future, ensuring this historic landmark continues to serve the community for years to come.
Why This Matters for Architects
When a project includes renovations and retrofits, you know the importance of accurate documentation. Whether it’s an aging historic church or a modern office building, understanding the existing conditions is the foundation for any successful project.
Reality Capture eliminates guesswork, speeds up timelines, and delivers unmatched precision. When you choose Cadnetics, you’re not just getting a service—you’re gaining a partner dedicated to making your job easier, your projects smoother, and your outcomes better.
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is more than a building—it’s a piece of history, a place of worship, and a cornerstone of the Key West community. At Cadnetics, we’re proud to have played a role in preserving this landmark for future generations.
If you’re an architect working on a renovation or retrofit project, we’d love to help you capture your building’s story. Learn more about our Reality Capture Services and see how we can bring precision, efficiency, and innovation to your next project. Visit us at Cadnetics.com or reach out to discuss your needs. Together, we can preserve the past while building the future.
