All Transparent Conservation Scheme for the Menokin Ruins

Abstract

The challenge of preserving the 18th century ruin at Menokin, Virginia USA, has inspired a radical scheme to authentically conserve the surviving architecture. The ruined building is in a state of decay and Dewhurst Macfarlane & Partners have designed a glass structure to re-establish the protection of the building envelope. The plans presented are not ready for construction. Details for splicing together timber and glass beams are discussed. The conservators plans to recreate the missing elements in glass has led to the development of an all transparent structural system. The paper discusses how the properties of acrylic and glass can be combined to create composite elements that are sufficiently versatile to meet the demands of reconstructing 18th century building elements.