  In
late August, 1998, Lena Ch'en (second from left in the first picture),
the San Francisco PUC Project Manager for the Sunol Water Temple
restoration, conducted a tour of the restoration process. SOS members
on the tour included Cindy Frillman (shown with the paint restoration
expert), Rosemary Chang (who took these photographs and notes),
and Jim O'Loughlin.
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Water Temple
Conservation
   The
wood panels and terra cotta elements of the Sunol Water Temple were
carefully laid out on the floor of the Oakland Museum warehouse.
The fumigation
is completed and bird droppings removed. There is evidence
of staining and damage due to water seepage. The oil based
paints used on the wood panels have deteriorated, appearing powdered
and flaking. Decay to the wooden elements was almost everywhere
especially near bolt holes.
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Paintings
  The
paintings were never completed with some figures appearing as vague
outlines. There are some partially completed elements. The
paintings will be conserved rather than being completed or repainted.
The empty places in the ceiling will never be filled. The
finished product will look mellow but intact. It will be "old
but well cared for." The powdery areas will be stabilized.
There will be some painting so that areas will be reconnected. There
will be no attempt to add color.
The original
painting was done without using a primer. Consequently,
the paint soaked into the wood. This essentially saved the
painting. The wood grain is visible through the paint.
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Terra Cotta
  There
is staining and chipping of the terra cotta. Since the tiles
were removed to the museum instead of being repaired in place, more
time and care can be used. The original tile fabricator was located
and is still doing business in Sacramento. Replacement tiles
using the same formula can be obtained.
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Structure
 When
replaced the roof elements will be stable under earthquake seismic
analysis. Since the Water Temple was constructed about 1910,
it needed a retrofit. There would have been the threat of
damage to the columns as well as the possibility of a partial collapse.
In the design of the retrofit, they are trying to be as invisible
as possible. Since the columns are hollow the strengthening
supports will be placed inside. There will be some below grade
work. Some things will be visible such as the dome strengtheners,
concrete ribs under each column and how the columns will be attached
to the dome.
There was
a lot of decay to the beams. They will be reinforcing the
girders, since in their present condition they would not be able
to carry the additional weight. Steel elements will be inserted
on top of the girders. This will not disturb the artwork. The
roof will also be steel reinforced. The secondary members, such
as the finial, are being examined.
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The overall
project
The Water Temple will be conserved and preserved. To the museum
conservator, this is an interesting project since the temple is
also a building. The final product will not be a replica.
They intend on preserving the original wood in such as way that
it is also structurally sound. U-shaped tunnels will be made in
the 12 foot beams, steel inserted and bonded with epoxy. This
will be visible only from above.
The completed
project will also come with a maintenance program so the the Water
Temple can be preserved into the future.
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 The
Restoration of the Elements is Completed!
In February,
2000, Lena Ch'en again invited SOS members to tour there conservation
building. This was the last chance to view the restored roof elements
up close before they were packed into crates for transportation
back to the temple site.
This photo
shows a sample that was prepared to test their method of reinforcing
the beams with steel. Special thanks to Cindy Frillman for many
of these photos.
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Time
for a Roof Raising!
March 27,
2000: Scaffolding has surrounded the temple for the better part
of a year while the structure is reinforced. Holes were bored
down the center of the columns and steel rods inserted. The main
beams were assembled on site and lifted back into place.
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 Thanks
to Cindy Frillman for these photos.
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