Dundurn Castle

 

Client: City of Hamilton

Project Completion: 2016

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In 2013, George Robb Architect was retained to address the rapid deterioration of the entrance columns at Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, a National Historic Site. Originally restored in the mid 1990s, the columns had suffered significant damage due to challenging service conditions, including saturation of the limestone plinths during summer rains and limited snow clearing in winter.
Following humidity monitoring, the existing ventilation system was deemed effective, and repairs focused on material renewal and protection. “Old growth” white pine was sourced for new components, sealed with multiple applications of linseed oil, back primed, and finished with linseed oil based paints, including a Swedish product proposed by the City’s heritage staff.
The restoration was completed in 2016, and ongoing reviews by the City of Hamilton have confirmed the long term success of the intervention.