Temple Emmanu-El
San Frnacisco, San Francisco, California
Cleaning and Restoration of Natural and Cast Stone, Brick, and Cement Stucco
Restoration of the exterior and interior surfaces of this extraordinary synagogue coveed a wide range of media, including marble, cast stone, brick, and cement stucco.
Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_Emanu-El_(San_Francisco,_California)
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Temple Emmanu-El is one of the most beautiful houses of worship in California, and the different types of materials present in the building called for different means and methods to bring them back to their original state. |
The stained glass windows of the main sanctuary are one of the most significant character-defining features of the structure and required special protection during the adjacent structural and surface refurbishment. |
Cleaning and repointing of the joints between cast stone units supporting the stained glass was carefully executed to avoid contact with the leaded glass components. |
Other interior elements such as this combination of cast stone capitals with turned marble columns were cleaned using mild detergents with a low-pressure (900 psi) water rinse. |
The challenge in cleaning these interior masonry decorative components was to avoid damaging the adjacent highly stenciled surfaces. This was achieved by using carefully placed protection in these areas of interface. |
The main sanctuary is an amazing combination of marble, cast stone, stucco, and other decorative materials. The hanging chandeliers were especially important as major decorative features of this vast interior space. |
Marble and natural stone were cleaned and repointed to enhance the overall look and feel of this sacred space. |
Interior travertine marble floors were carefully resurfaced and filled to produce a smooth and uniform stone floor that is now capable of withstanding the abrasion of constant use. |
Floors are now able to be maintained at a high level of finish without use of the previous wax-and-strip system. |
Exterior cast stone decorative elements also received the standard clean and repoint treatment. |
Matching brick and cast stone units were produced to integrate the newly installed handicapped access ramps at the entry. |
Other cast stone trim areas were anchored and restored to preserve the exterior details of the facade. |