09/07/2026
Every historic structure tells a story, but some are on the verge of losing their voice.
I recently completed a structural assessment and conservation intervention study for a medieval stone structure in Tabarja, Lebanon, believed to date to the Crusader period (12th–13th century CE), with possible reuse during the Mamluk era.
Based on its ashlar masonry, defensive slit openings, Romanesque oculus, and surviving pointed vaults, the building was most likely a coastal watchtower (Burj) overlooking the maritime route between Byblos and Beirut.
The study focused on developing an emergency stabilization and conservation methodology before irreversible collapse occurs. The proposed interventions prioritize minimum intervention, reversibility, and respect for authenticity, and include:
• Comprehensive documentation through photogrammetry and crack mapping.
• Stone-by-stone documentation and anastylosis where displaced masonry can be reinstated.
• Consolidation of historic masonry using natural hydraulic lime mortars and lime grouting.
• Stabilization of the surviving vault through reversible stainless-steel reinforcement where structurally necessary.
• Protection of wall heads and improvement of water drainage to reduce future deterioration.
Historic structures are not only architectural artifacts; they are records of our collective memory. Conserving them requires balancing structural safety with respect for the original fabric, ensuring that interventions remain compatible, reversible, and legible for future generations.
