Acorus renovates the Russia Pavilion dacha

A vestige of neo-Russian style on the banks of the Marne

The building is a fragment of a more imposing architectural ensemble, which represented Russia at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1878. A large part of the wooden construction was destroyed in 1967, of which a tower 15 meters high remains. high for 25m2 on the ground, raised on the banks of the Marne, to serve as a second home in the countryside. The zinc roof of this dacha had never been renovated until now. Only the paint had been redone in the 70s.

An exceptional six-month project

Following a call for tenders, the Acorus Group was chosen to cover this historic monument, mainly the roof. In details :

• Removal of zinc scales
• Replacement of the entire batten
• Recovery of the 4 punches of the two very damaged towers
• Installation of 2400 skygrey zinc scales from Rheinzink
• Realization of 4 new zinc finials and 2 ridge galleries, based on period engravings.

With the DRAC (regional directorate for cultural affairs) and the architects of French buildings, the Acorus roofers studied together how to finish the roof. The teams opted for a ridge consisting of a gallery and two spikes for each tower. For this project, eight journeyman roofers worked for six months.

The datcha being a listed historic building, the teams used the same materials and techniques in use as a hundred years ago: no stainless steel leg but a tinned copper spring, nor a neoprene expansion joint on the gutter but expansion joints with juxtaposed heels.

“This type of remarkable project allows us to highlight the know-how of our teams who have been able to deploy real old-fashioned work. The result is spectacular and I am very proud that the Acorus Group is participating in the renovation and maintenance of our historical heritage”. says Philippe Benquet, Chairman of the Acorus Group.