Salvaging an Architectural Icon
Designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn in 1965, the Salk Institute in San Diego, California, is an iconic architectural masterpiece. Kahn's creation of concrete with Teak window walls is visually striking, but in recent years that vision has been blemished by the fungi staining and highly weathered appearance of the Teak. To bring the facility to its former glory, the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) partnered with wood products supplier J. Gibson McIlvain Company to improve the appearance of the Teak wood. The foremost issue was replacing the wood that could not be salvaged in a way that as closely as possible matched the original material. The initial consultation affirmed the team's belief in Teak as a superior wood for exterior use, even in the harsh environment of Salk's gorgeous ocean front locale.
This project was first and foremost a restoration initiative with an eye to reusing as much of the Teak as possible. The General Contractor, Rudolph and Sletten, was able to salvage two-thirds of the original material which was restored to a like-new appearance. 1960s exterior finishing technology wasn't close to what is possible today, and the marine varnish essentially trapped moisture allowing fungus to grow and stain the wood. Add to this the lack of flashing and other weather shedding construction methods and over more than five decades moisture wreaked havoc. Because of this, some of the Teak began to rot. The fact that two-thirds of the material was salvageable is a testament to the durability of Teak as an exterior species. Needing to replace the remaining one-third of the Teak was another matter entirely, because finding Teak that matches the appearance of the original material from the 1960s was not trivial.
Initially, the specifications for the 30,000 board feet of Teak needed for a "like for like" replacement was daunting. All old growth material with a specific number of growth rings per inch, 100% quarter sawn boards and a variety of nonstandard sizes. J. Gibson McIlvain was concerned about whether this was even possible to achieve in such a large volume especially due to the fact that a log embargo and limits on export out of Myanmar had just been levied. J. Gibson McIlvain staff visited the job site and began
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Kahn's creation of concrete with teak window walls is visually striking, but in recent years that vision has been blemished by the fungi staining and highly weathered appearance of the teak. To bring the facility to its former glory, the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) partnered with wood products supplier J. Gibson McIlvain Company to improve the appearance of the teak wood.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Salk Institute and what materials define its architecture?+
The Salk Institute in San Diego, California, was designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn in 1965. Its iconic design features concrete combined with Teak window walls.
Why did the Teak at the Salk Institute deteriorate over time?+
The 1960s marine varnish essentially trapped moisture, allowing fungus to grow and stain the wood. Combined with the lack of flashing and other weather-shedding construction methods, more than five decades of moisture exposure caused some of the Teak to rot.
How much of the original Teak was salvaged in the Salk Institute restoration?+
General Contractor Rudolph and Sletten was able to salvage two-thirds of the original Teak material, which was restored to a like-new appearance. The remaining one-third needed to be replaced.
Who partnered to restore the Teak at the Salk Institute?+
The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) partnered with wood products supplier J. Gibson McIlvain Company to improve the appearance of the Teak. Rudolph and Sletten served as the General Contractor on the project.
What were the specifications for the replacement Teak at the Salk Institute?+
The project required 30,000 board feet of Teak for a like-for-like replacement. Specifications called for all old-growth material with a specific number of growth rings per inch, 100% quarter sawn boards, and a variety of nonstandard sizes.
Why was sourcing replacement Teak for the Salk Institute difficult?+
Finding Teak that matched the appearance of the original 1960s material was not trivial, especially at such large volume. Sourcing was further complicated by a log embargo and export limits recently levied on Myanmar.