Structure | Eames Foundation

Structure

Phase One of the 250 Year Project was set in motion by an opportunity that was too good to pass up: to lend the contents of the Eames House living room to Los Angeles County Museum of Art, freeing the Foundation to repair the floor while the contents were displayed (and protected) in a museum environment, see following photo.

charles-ray-eames-case-study-house-01

If the Foundation had only been able to address the living room floor tiles, we would have felt that the project was a success. However, thanks to the generosity of a number of donors and the careful explorations by Escher GuneWardena Architecture (“EGW”), as well as the research, analysis and guidance of the Getty Conservation Institute (“GCI”), much more was done.

Experts confirmed, that after 60+ years, some materials, such as the floor, had failed. Others simply needed conservation. Still others, such as the flat roof, needed to be modified in order to prevent damage to other elements of the house.

Flooring

Issue: Original vinyl asbestos tile (VAT) damaged: tiles detached, corners broken and discolored. VAT are no longer permitted. Primary source of water vapor from the concrete slab foundation. Ensure solution did not misalign with abutting structural elements.

Constraints: Retain the original look, feel and sound, which addressing the newly-identified need. Avoid collection-damaging off-gassing.

Duct Work

Issue: Original heating ducts corroded.

Constraints: Avoid damage to the surrounding structure. Any moisture barrier coating must pass Oddy testing and have a ten-year warranty to minimize replacement disruption.

Spine Wall

Issue: Wood finish damaged by years of UV light; the crazing of the finish obscured the underlying wood with a whitish haze. Investigation revealed fungal growth.

Constraints: Retain original interior varnish (exterior largely stripped by the elements), while restoring the original golden/red patina. Preserve traces of the Eameses’ living. Formulate protective interior/protective varnishes that appear identical.

Steel Frame

Issue: Steel window and doors corroded; mechanical operability compromised. Glazing/weather seals cracked, in part by force of rain flowing down facade, breaking seals and allowing moisture collection.

Constraints: Retain original look and fixtures while minimizing water penetration.

Roof

Issue: Roof at the end of its useful life; insulation nominal. Skylight leaking; bottom edge too close to the roof surface. Water pouring down steel facade during heavy storms, threatening the integrity of the steel frame and interior collections. Storm water pooling on the path above the house.

Constraints: Improve functionality of the roof and skylight without notably altering its original appearance. Keep original downspouts and minimize gutters. Reduce pooling.