Almost thirty years after the construction of the Gönpa (1990) and eleven years since its expansion (2008), due to problems related to the deterioration of the internal and external paintings, the infiltration of rainwater from the roof and some of the window frames, and the deterioration of the exterior paintwork, the Dzogchen Community of Merigar consulted architect Donatella Cavezzali (Director of the Scuola di Alta Formazione e Studio Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro in Rome) to understand how to resolve the structural problems of the Temple of the Great Contemplation, the Gönpa of Merigar.
Merigar.
Exterior of the Gönpa before the restoration work
The situation proved to be quite serious and extraordinary maintenance measures had to be planned and carried out. The work was performed in 2019 and 2020 and involved the entire Gönpa structure: from the roof covering, the skylight lantern, and the doors and windows to the external walkway and railing and the entrance stairway. Damaged columns had to replaced, and damaged load-bearing beams replaced or reinforced.
In particular, the overhang of the eaves has been extended to at least partially protect the upper external panels where the decorations will be renewed.
The exterior paintings, already in an advanced state of deterioration before the work was begun, will have to be entirely redone.
The Gönpa as decorated in 2011
Current status after extraordinary maintenance work
The problems of water infiltration have been resolved and it will therefore be possible to proceed with the restoration of the damaged paintings on the inside of the structure.
Damaged paintings inside the Gönpa
We are starting to work on the project of renewing the exterior paintings and restoring the interior paintings with the restoration and materials experts who have worked with us in recent years, in collaboration with our artists from the Dzogchen Community.
If you wish you can participate with a donation.
Bank account:
Merigar Dzogchen Community - Loc. Merigar 58031 Arcidosso Grosseto Italy
Banca: INTESA SAN PAOLO SpA Filiale di Arcidosso - GR
C/C 3503
IT35E0306972163100000003503
Codice BIC o SWIFT: BCITITMM
For more information please go to the donations page.
