The Parliament Building in the Federal Palace was built between 1894 and 1902 according to plans by the architect Hans Wilhelm Auer. It is a 19th-century architectural masterpiece and the centerpiece of the Federal Palace. It embodies Switzerland's identity through its structure, constructed exclusively from Swiss materials and craftsmanship.
As part of historic preservation measures, we restored the solid oak surfaces of the main portal doors. All elements were dismantled and thoroughly refurbished in the workshop and on-site. Faded areas were retouched, chipping repaired, and the surfaces were stripped by hand and stained to their natural color. Subsequently, special organic oils based on linseed oil, soybean oil, and mineral pigments, which are free of lead siccants, were applied. The gloss level was achieved with a diffusible, plant-based, all-purpose varnish to achieve a semi-gloss finish.
In addition to the main entrance doors, we were also commissioned to restore several escape route doors and the door of the President of the Council of States in the same way. All work was carried out with the utmost care and respect for the historical fabric to preserve the authenticity and integrity of the building.
Client / Client:
BBL Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics
Architecture / Construction Management:
Suter + Partner AG
Submission:
Carpentry Martin Kunz GmbH
Address:
Bundesplatz 3, 3011 Bern
Dates:
2022-25
Investment costs:
nb
Status:
Completed
Segment:
Public buildings
Work:
Oak graining, wood surface restorations