Abbey Library of Saint Gall
A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the Abbey Library of Saint Gall (Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen) is a historically significant building in St. Gallen, Switzerland. At the end of 2020, the medieval library underwent extensive restoration using SCHOTT’s RESTOVER® glass, transforming the ancient facade.
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Background
The Abbey Library of St. Gall is one of the oldest and most important libraries in the world. Its valuable collection of books reveals the development of European culture and documents the cultural achievements of the monastery of St. Gall from the 8th century until the dissolution of the abbey in 1805. Many works of European intellectual history are preserved here, with the heart of the collection being early medieval manuscripts from the 8th to the 11th century. In 1983, the Abbey Library, together with the entire district of St. Gall, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Challenge
To preserve the priceless manuscripts and documents on show in the library, the light and climatic conditions have to be carefully controlled inside its rooms. This is achieved through the correct choice of window glass and further processing, protecting the artefacts from harmful light. Extra challenges came with the fact that the library has large windows that allow bright sunlight to flood its rooms, as well as the glass needing to stay in historical context, with a characteristic irregular surface structure. Finally, the glass had to meet strict requirements regarding the preservation of historical monuments.Solution
To answer the large number of challenges involved in the Abbey Library of Saint Gall restoration project, SCHOTT’s RESTOVER® glass was chosen. Its irregular surface resembles the historic glass of past centuries while minimising reflections that would detract from the esthetic value of the windows.The new glass for restoration also had to conform to a wide range of modern standards, not only controlling the temperature and level of UV light inside the library, but protecting against unauthorized access or breakage.
All windows were double-glazed, with the outer glass fitted with SCHOTT RESTOVER® laminated safety glass with four-fold foil and a solar control coating. These films prevent the penetration of UV rays while protecting the library from burglary.
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Used materials
Made by the authentic Fourcault process, SCHOTT RESTOVER® glass for restoration offers (processed as laminated glass) enhanced UV protection and meets demanding thermal, solar, UV and noise control standards. Its low thickness makes it easy to install in existing frames and fittings, with no harsh reflections to disturb the esthetic value of the windows.
Partnership project
For the Abbey Library of St. Gall project, SCHOTT worked in close collaboration with the Swiss company Blumer Techno Fenster AG, who manufactured and installed all 44 windows.
Glass made by
SCHOTT
Manufacture and installation by
Blumer Techno Fenster AG
