The St. Louis University High School Chapel of the Beloved Disciple Chapel renovation project stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of classical craftsmanship and modern technology.
Rugo Stone’s scope of work included furnishing and installing a marble Altar of Sacrifice and a Marble Ambo with a stained wood bookrest. Initial discussions with the architect involved schematic presentations focused on matching the existing designs and marble colors. The architect expressed their keen desire to match the same level of detail as the existing marble in the church.
We prepared detailed proposals noting our capabilities and process which will help us achieve the results the architect envisioned. Both the Altar as well as the Ambo both were adorned with cubic, 8-3/8″ thick Bianco Carrara marble Mensa tops featuring classical moldings and delicate hand-carved egg and dart detailing.
The altar and ambo were further enhanced with cubic carved marble columns and custom-designed, highly ornate Corinthian capitals that seamlessly matched the existing 100-year-old capitals.
The arches in the Altar and the Ambo received Paonazzo inlays, matching the existing decor. All the marble elements were installed using stainless steel anchor connections, developed in-house by our project engineer and communicated through detailed shop drawings.
The project culminated in a breathtakingly successful renovation, receiving high praise from the St. Louis University project team for our performance and timely delivery.
This project showcases the sustainable nature of stone. One of the primary challenges was matching every detail of the existing marble in the church, which was of utmost importance to the client. Our team excelled in developing highly precise drawings and 3D models, obtaining approval, and producing new stone that impeccably matched the existing marble. This project exemplifies the use of modern CNC machining technology in combination with traditional hand-carving methods. This integration allowed us to achieve the same level of detail as our predecessors, showcasing our commitment to continuing the classical stonework tradition.
The detailed and intricate stonework, from the hand-carved egg and dart detailing to the custom-designed Corinthian capitals, demonstrates our exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to fine art stonework. By blending modern CNC machining technology with classical hand-carving methods, we successfully carried forward the tradition of classical stonework while meeting contemporary standards of precision and quality.
The St. Louis High School Chapel renovation project not only preserves the historical integrity of the chapel but also exemplifies the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation in stonework.
Location: St Louis, Mo
Completion Date: 2024
Owner: St Louis University
General Contractor: Rugo Stone
Architect: Studio Totus
Services Performed: Design Consult, Restoration, Supply, CNC, Waterjet fabrication and Installation
