About this Project
Village Green Restoration Inc. completed the conservation of the Marble Temple, a white marble classical structure serving as the funerary monument for Augustus Saint-Gaudens and his family at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, NH.
The project addressed structural and material deterioration caused by frost damage, water infiltration, and long-term weathering. Major treatments included:
- Disassembly and Resetting: Removal and reinstallation of the monumental marble steps using crane lifts and wood dunnage supports to access underlying masonry.
- Masonry and Foundation Repairs: Stabilization of the brick step-support walls and central base through selective brick replacement, mortar renewal, and concrete patching.
- Repointing: Application of lime-based mortars to reset joints, prioritizing softer, compatible mixes to accommodate seasonal expansion and prevent stone cracking.
- Stone Conservation: Repairs to eroded marble elements using Lithomix Natural Hydraulic Lime stone repair mortar, and application of sacrificial lime mortars to protect vulnerable carved surfaces.
- Cleaning: Full marble surface cleaning with D/2 Biological Solution, a non-toxic biocide effective in removing biological growths while preserving the stone’s natural patina.
- Consolidation: Treatment of friable, sugaring marble with Prosoco OH-100, a breathable silicate-based consolidant designed to strengthen deteriorated calcareous stone without altering appearance.
- Documentation: Preparation of a detailed treatment plan, photographic documentation, and a final treatment report for long-term site stewardship.
This work ensures the long-term stability and preservation of the Marble Temple, protecting both its architectural integrity and its role as a memorial to America’s foremost sculptor.
