Restoration of historic entrance doors in the Bundeshaus Bern

The Parliament Building in the Bundeshaus was built between 1894 and 1902 according to the plans of Hans Wilhelm Auer.
It is considered one of Switzerland's most significant buildings – characterized by artisanal precision and materials from within the country.

Our work focused on the solid oak surfaces of the main portal doors – a defining element of the building, used and reworked multiple times over decades.

Initial situation

The surfaces showed typical signs of a heavily used historical component:

• faded and uneven color
• brittle, overlaid old layers
• flaking and localized damage
• uneven overall appearance due to previous interventions

The goal was not to create a "new condition" but to stabilize the existing substance and restore it to a harmonious overall appearance.

Procedure

All elements were dismantled and processed both in the workshop and on-site.

The existing layers were carefully assessed and reduced only where they had lost their function.
Based on this, the restoration was carried out in coordinated steps:

• controlled removal of old lacquer and paint layers
• stabilizing and smoothing of wood surfaces
• filling in damaged areas
• retouching faded zones
• staining in natural tone to restore depth

The surface structure was built up by hand – tailored to the material, use, and historical substance.

For protection, biological special oils based on linseed oil, soybean oil, and mineral pigments were used.
The final gloss level was set to satin-matte, with a breathable, plant-based surface.

Result

The doors once again appear calm and coherent.
Not new – but internally harmonious.

The original materiality is preserved, signs of use are integrated, and the surface is protected long-term.

Extended Scope

In addition to the main portal doors, several emergency exit doors and the door of the Council of States President were also restored according to the same principle.

All work was carried out in compliance with monument preservation requirements and with maximum respect for the existing substance.