VCU SCOTT HOUSE Window Restoration

by Gepetto Millworks | Jun 9, 2024 | Architectural Millwork, Historic Restoration, Project Spotlight, Virginia, Wooden Windows

SCOTT House on VCU Campus

Window Restoration

Beaux Arts style Window Restoration

Authentic Craftsmanship

THE SCOTT HOUSE is one of Richmond’s most significant examples of American Renaissance architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was completed in 1911 and acquired by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2001. The 18,000 sf mansion was built for Frederic William Scott and his wife Elizabeth Strother Scott. It was modeled after the Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island, which referenced the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Interior plasterwork is attributed to prominent sculptor and plaster contractor, Ferruccio Legnaioli.

VCU commissioned Glavé & Holmes Architecture (G&H) to provide a feasibility study to assess existing conditions, programming, and conceptual design. Subsequently, G&H was selected to provide a historically-sensitive rehabilitation to allow the building to serve as meeting and event space for visiting and University groups.

Goals for rehabilitation the Scott House included restoration of the exterior masonry and windows supplied by Gepetto Millworks Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were upgraded to modern standards. New restrooms, and conversions to office space and meeting rooms became part of the plans to serve the University Campus. While the rehabilitation will serve a variety of modern programmatic functions, the building’s historic fabric was restored in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and the University’s preservation philosophy for historic buildings.

Historic preservation seeks to find effective and artful ways of maintaining and reusing significant buildings, landscapes, and communities. Central to the discipline is the attempt to preserve cultural identity in the face of the threats of urban sprawl and loss of social diversity.

Maintain, protect, and repair authentic character defining features, materials, and finishes. If features are deteriorated beyond repair, replace them in-kind. Retain authentic historic building fabric to the maximum extent possible.

Historic building restoration respects the evolution of historic changes, fashion, taste, and use – do not try to “improve” the design of authentic building features.

Avoid installation of conjectural “historic” features.

Do not use maintenance methods or materials that damage significant building and landscape fabric.

Authentic Window Restoration Richmond

Richmond VA Authentic Historic Window Restoration

Scott House was built in 1907, and is a three-story, 40,950 square foot, Beaux Arts style mansion. The house is seven bays wide and is faced with a pale Indiana limestone. It features a central portico of four, giant Corinthian order columns and two Corinthian pilasters that dominate the highly formal, symmetrical entrance façade. Elizabeth and Frederic Scott bought the property from Lewis Ginter in 1903, Elisabeth Scott Bocock, moved into the house in the mid 20th century. While there, she founded the Historic Richmond Foundation, the 2300 Club, and the Hand Workshop (now known as the Visual Arts Center of Richmond). In the 1960s, the house was subdivided and used as dorms for VCU students, which continued into the 90s. A renovation in 2004 led to the Scott House opening its doors to the public, and the designation of the building as a Virginia Historic Landmark.

The historic Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island was chosen as inspiration for the Richmond structure, which was itself modeled after the Petit Trianon in Versailles. It stands proudly removed from West Franklin, an exception to the block’s density. The stately house, a handsome combination of limestone and terra cotta, is grounded by green-tiled wrapping terraces and a porte-cochére, shaded by trees in the house’s garden. Oxidized copper and careful cast iron work beautifully balance the gravity of the building’s exterior. Oversized fluted columns with Corinthian capitals give the mansion a sense of monumentality. The interior is a classic example of the American Renaissance style, originating in the 18th century. The occupant moves through the symmetrically divided rooms with no hallways on the first floor, structured around a main entrance stair which lies under a magnificent stained glass dome. Servants’ quarters are to the rear of the building, and a large English style carriage house is hidden behind the mansion. The Anderson Gallery, constructed in 1888 from the former Ginter House stables, also stands behind the Scott-Bocock House. The splendor of the structure is a reminder of Richmond’s insurance and banking glory days in the early 20th century, when it was an indulgent capital of the South.

Authentic Historic Window Restoration Virginia

Virginia Window Restorers

Historic Replica Windows Made to Order

Southeast US Window Rehabilitation

Wooden Window Fabrication

Accoya Approved Manufacturer VA

by Gepetto Millworks | Apr 21, 2024 | Custom Millwork, Wooden Shutters, Wooden Windows

Accoya Approved Manufacturer

We have been using Accoya Acetylated wood for exterior applications since it’s introduction into the United States market in 2012.

Acetylated wood stands truer and weather’s better – read the acdemic articles below to start your education for specifiying the ‘foundation’ of your project.

Accoya Now American Made

“We are excited to be a part of the Kingsport community ,” said Rod Graf, general manager of Accoya USA.

“Our cutting-edge building will enhance capacity, create local jobs, and foster community. We are also eager to work with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology and the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing to become a preferred employer in the region as production begins.”

Virginia Expert Manufacture

Matt Wiley has been building with Accoya Acetylated Wood for over 10 years!

High quality one of a kind builds made in Virginia.

Specify Accoya

“Acetylated lumber wins accolades for its performance and small environmental footprint” ~ Green Building Advisor

Unlike most pressure-treated wood, acetylated lumber doesn’t contain any copper or biocides that can leach into the environment over time. The treatment renders the wood harder, more dimensionally stable and immune to insects. Accoya lasts for 50 years above grade, 25 years in contact with the ground or submerged in fresh water, and has a service life of 70 years, according to its manufacturer.

Build From the Foundation

You understand the metaphor if you’re a builder. We are limited in our ability to deliver a ‘straight’ product, by straight lumber! In order to deliver your dream piece, we need quality lumber that will not warp or twist and it is becoming harder to source. Just like you wouldn’t want your foundation to be 1/8th out of square, we don’t want our raw materials to move 1/8th of an inch after they are machined to size.

Accoya Acetylated Wood Manufacturer Virginia

Acetylation BY ROGER M. ROWELL ~ 4 SEPTEMBER 2006

The Vikings burned the outside of their ships to make them water resistant and flame retardant without knowing anything about hydrophobicity or the insulating properties of char!

Long before we had formal wood science, we had a long history of observations on the properties and performance of wood. It was well known that wood swelled and shrunk with water, that wood decayed, that wood burned, and that wood was degraded by the sun. People took advantage of the positive properties and also learned to design around wood’s weaknesses. As we started to understand the properties and performance of wood, we discovered that the properties of wood are, for the most part, a result of the chemistry of its cell wall components.

Combining all of the art and science of wood recorded from ancient times to the present, we have discovered that if you change the chemistry of wood, you change its properties and, therefore, you change its performance.

From this foundation, the science of chemical modification of wood was born. We first learn by observation, progress by experimentation, and finally advance through understanding. We learned to use wood, accepting that it changes dimensions with changing moisture content (MC),

Chemical modification of wood can be defined as a process of bonding a reactive simple chemical to a reactive part of a cell wall polymer, with or without catalyst,
to form a covalent bond between the two. Chemical modification of wood has historically been used to:
1) isolate various cell wall components;
2) study differences in properties as a result of changing the chemistry;
3) improve the performance properties of wood.

Many chemical reaction systems have been published for the modification of wood and the systems have been reviewed in the literature. The chemicals include anhydrides, acid chlorides, ketene carboxylic acids, isocyanates, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, difunctional aldehydes, chloral, phthaldehydic acid, and epoxides .

None of the studies of the chemical modification of wood and other lignocellulosic resources have gone past the research stage, except acetylation.

Read Full Article

“Our sales in North America increased by 44% between fiscal years 2021 and 2022, and we continue to see strong demand for Accoya,” said John Alexander, group sales director. “Once operational, our Accoya 2022 production volumes will be doubled at the Kingsport site.”

The Kingsport facility, which will be operational in early 2024, will provide the North American market, while the Netherlands plant will supply the rest of the world. The American reactors are now on their way from Europe and will arrive in Kingsport in January 2023.

“We are excited to be a part of the Kingsport community and watch the development of the US facility,” said Rod Graf, general manager of Accoya USA. “Our cutting-edge building materials will enhance capacity, create local jobs, and foster community. We are also eager to work with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology and the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing to become a preferred employer in the region as production begins.”

North America Expansion : Wood & Panel

Historic Wooden WIndows Pressure TEsted Performance

Accoya Acetylated Project Gallery

Historic Look

Smooth Swing bearings and weather durable fittings

Steel Core

Historically Accurate wooden gates

Mated with Steel core elements for the best of both materials.

Historic Detailing

Fully Mortized Spindles on an Arc!

Take a moment and notice all the wonderful details from the matching profile and scale at the gate frame top to the under hinge trim profile.

Building Science Explained:

Accoya Wood Window Builder VA

by Gepetto Millworks | Apr 17, 2024 | Old Window Restorer, Wooden Windows

Windows made of Accoya Acetylated Wood

In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains craftsmanship meets innovation in the form of Solid Wood windows made at Gepetto of Accoya Acetylated Wood. Your new windows will stand as a testament to old world historic quality and modern manufacturing excellence. With a commitment to sustainability while improving durability Accoya Acetylated Wood brings warmth and architectural beauty to homes across Virginia. From the historic streets of Richmond to the picturesque landscapes of Roanoke Gepetto Solid Wood windows perform with modern excellence and old world charm.

At Gepetto, each window is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who take pride in their work. Utilizing the finest Accoya Acetylated Wood, our windows exude timeless durability while offering the charm and authenticity of historic register places. From traditional to contemporary designs, Gepetto Solid Wood windows elevate the aesthetics of any home, adding character and charm.

Sustainable Manufacturing in the Blue Ridge

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility sings sustainability from the hills that hug it. Responsibly sourced materials from the land that we currently invest in as forest managers built the out buildings around the shop. Eco-friendly production is one of our old world values – not a new ‘green economy’ mindset. Gepetto owner Matthew Wiley has the soil of these hills as the blood that runs through his veigns. Reducing environmental footprint is the new term that empowers the old idea of work with what you have! By choosing Gepetto Solid Wood windows, homeowners invest in a greener Virginia while enjoying the benefits of premium craftsmanship.

Advantages of Accoya Acetylated Wood

Accoya Acetylated Wood sets Gepetto Solid Wood windows apart from the rest on the molecular level! Accoya solved the acetylation process on a scale that was affordable. Read the full technical article to understand fully what you’re investing in. This remarkablly small chemical change elevates the wood to otherwise unachievable qualities. Unparalleled stability, durability, and resistance to rot and decay develop after a simple treatment of vinegar. With fewwer maintenance requirements, Gepetto windows crafted from Accoya Acetylated Wood ensure lasting beauty and performance, even in Virginia’s humid and sun bleached climate.

Service Area for Gepetto

From the bustling metropolis of Alexandria and Arlington crescnet surrounding DC to the serene shores of Virginia covering the Beach or Chesapeak tidewaters like Norfolk, Williamsburg and Newport News, Gepetto Solid Wood windows adorn homes in every corner of the Commonwealth. With customizable options to suit any architectural style, homeowners have the freedom to create spaces that reflect their unique taste and personality. Whether it’s a cozy bungalow in Charlottesville or a stately mansion in Norfolk, Gepetto windows enhance the beauty and value of every residence.

Unrivaled Performance and Energy Efficiency

Beyond their exquisite craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal, Gepetto Solid Wood windows deliver exceptional performance even through hurricane’s and tornadoes. Advanced insulation properties from weather stripping and the cumulative effet of precision engineering show in tests to be equal or better than any modern standard. If it’s double glass you want, we can build it – or we can show you the test results of 160mph winds and install locations across the south east US. Our windows help maintain optimal indoor comfort while reducing energy costs. From sweltering summers to wet damp winters, Gepetto windows provide year-round comfort for Virginia homeowners.

The Accoya Promise: Quality and Reliability

Backed by decades of experience and a dedication to excellence, Gepetto builds quality and Accoya provides reliability. As a homeowner your peace of mind rests in knowing you’ve invested in the best.

Partnering with Virginia’s Finest Builders and Architects

Gepetto Solid Wood windows are the preferred choice of Virginia’s finest builders and architects. With a reputation for uncompromising quality and attention to detail, our windows complement the visionary designs of top professionals in the industry. From luxury estates to commercial developments, Gepetto windows add a touch of sophistication and refinement to every project.

Elevate Your Home with Accoya