Lund Cathedral

When one of the Nordic region’s most visited landmarks required restoration, there were no shortcuts. The work moved in the borderland between tradition and renewal, where every decision was weighed against both history and sustainability. The result is a piece of craftsmanship executed with precision and long-term durability.

“Our hope is that the repair work and restoration, carried out with an eternal perspective, will bring great benefit to the cathedral’s preservation. And to future generations.”

Erik Wikerstål, lead architect

The legacy of Helgo

The restoration honours Helgo Zettervall’s architectural design and the appearance of the tower roofs – even though the lead sheet has now been replaced with a more environmentally conscious tin-coated stainless steel. Yes, Helgo as in the Helgo Prize. In the 19th century, Zettervall carried out an extensive renovation of the cathedral. The Helgo Prize is awarded by the Swedish National Property Board to particularly meritorious restoration projects, and in 1996 Erik Wikerstål of Tengbom received the prize for Alnarp’s barn.

During Zettervall’s restoration in 1860–80, the cathedral’s two towers and west front were rebuilt. The towers were demolished and reconstructed in a form that he believed could have been possible already in the 12th century. The roof structure consisted of steel profiles, pine planks, and three-metre-long cast lead sheets.

Tower roofs in need of renewed care

Problems with the lead sheets arose as early as the beginning of the 20th century. They were large, heavy, and poorly joined. The roofs took in water and needed re-laying – but the new sheets were also too large for the steep roof. Over time, cracks, leaks, rot damage, and rust appeared in the parapet’s embedded iron bars.

After just over 100 years, the tower roofs urgently required new metal cladding and extensive masonry repairs. Lead is also a toxic material that can contaminate water, soil, and air.

“The Cathedral Chapter wanted to do what was necessary to protect our environment for future generations,” says Erik. Purifying the runoff water from Lund Cathedral’s roof would have required a facility whose size and operation were deemed unrealistic.

Traditional in appearance – improved environmentally

Lead has been used as a roofing material since the Middle Ages – beneath the cathedral floor, lead residues have been found showing that the church had a lead roof even before the fire of 1234. To preserve the traditional appearance, a sheet metal resembling lead was therefore chosen, but one far better from an environmental perspective.

The tin-coated stainless steel (Terne-coated Stainless Steel) oxidises and develops a surface that, once aged, resembles lead sheet. Tin-coated sheet metal also has a long historical tradition, similar to galvanised iron plate.

The Cathedral Chapter wanted to do what was necessary to protect our environment for future generations.

Lund Cathedral now with new spires

In March 2022, the two tower roofs were lifted down and placed within a tent structure north of the cathedral. The new cladding was executed with standing seam sheet metal, following the dimensions and seams of traditional lead roofing.

“The finials, or spires, of the tower caps were made from a lead-clad timber and steel construction and were in such poor condition that they had to be newly fabricated,” says Erik.

The old finials were scanned and exact replicas were produced in sand-cast aluminium – a material that ages in harmony with the tin surface. At the same time, Zettervall’s inner masonry sections in the parapets were chiselled out and replaced with hard-fired brick in cement mortar. The parapet’s natural-stone cornice received new anchoring with stainless-steel clamps, and the tower caps’ rust-damaged fixings were replaced with 52 stainless-steel threaded rods per tower. All were cast into a new concrete structure clad with reused, hand-moulded yellow brick.

The cathedral’s remaining roof surfaces are, for the time being, sealed with wax and nanotechnology while awaiting future re-laying. Lund Cathedral is filled with visitors every day of the year. Well worth a visit to admire these iconic spires.