Learn what's possible with the art and science of preserving our architectural past
If you don't have the answers, then you have space for the questions! In trying to preserve our heritage and "do right by" artifacts, it is imperative we ask the right questions first. The way conservators are trained, however,is to get caught up in naming ("this is a Flemish bond and that is a French polished door") even though we know from neuroscience that the minute we name something, our minds categorize it in ways that stop us from seeing detail and correlation
My "Covid Vacation" began with parquetry floor repairs at the Eisenhower Building and an historic auditorium refinishing. Once these projects put me back in touch with my roots in antique furniture and musical instrument restoration, multiple opportunities for antique furniture repair materialized. The thread between these is the need to consider more than just aesthetics. In order for historic gems to last, sometimes we need to augment to strengthen original design flaws or mistakes made by other restorers. Longevity of the artwork and maintainability of finishes is equally crucial.
As this 1917 military structure was re-purposed into offices, the wood graining of the formwork for the concrete pours was repaired with grout and faux bois graining tools and the surfaces were casein painted in a tone that matched the reaction of high pH lime from the original concrete pour attacking the oil from the formwork and the tannins in the wood, creating a visibly soft and inviting interior to a concrete and glass structure.
Methods for carrying the load of deteriorated joist ends using carbon fiber "mittens", information about the carrying capacity increase with each ply of carbon fiber tape on a timber, and a means of extending timbers with grafted elements like glass after casting an acrylic tooth cap to fit the damaged end of a timber, all designed with the wide-ranging timber damage at the Menokin Ruin in mind, but applicable to many buildings for in-place supplemental strengthening.
An overview of carbon fiber uses for strengthening individual timbers or floor systems. Epoxy tape can be used to support weakened timbers, but with vacuum-forming carbon fiber cloth can be form-fit to the core of hollow timbers as well.
Stabilization with carbon fiber is a very cost-effective and preservation-oriented option for deteriorated building elements.
The Preservation Science Blog 
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