Provincial Parliament Buildings/Queen’s Park

Skylight Repair and Stabilization

GBCA was retained by the Ontario Legislative Assembly to provide conservation consulting services for a large historic skylight located in the historic east wing of the Provincial Parliament Buildings. The Richardsonian-Romanesque building opened in 1893, and, as was characteristic of the time and the architectural style, the interior was elaborately decorated with wood and iron detailing (including railings, columns and sculptural friezes).

With the challenges of working in not only an occupied building, but also one that has high levels of security, GBCA brought together a team of experts to deal with each of the material components of the skylight, including the stained glass and the wood frame.

Following a condition assessment, a conservation plan was devised with recommendations for treatment. In conjunction with Vitreous Glassworks, Maltby and Associates, and Roof Tile Management, the skylight was dismantled, cleaned and reinstated.

During the restoration process, it became clear that the stability of the wooden framework was questionable, and that a secondary support system was required. In association with a structural engineer, GBCA designed a custom-made stainless steel frame, which was discretely inserted to preserve the original aesthetic when seen from below.