Period
1769 – 1826
Monticello
HISTORICAL LEGACY
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello stands as an enduring symbol of architectural innovation and historical significance. Built over a span of 40 years, Monticello reflects Jefferson’s evolving vision, inspired by his time in Paris and his desire to experiment with design. Key elements, such as Jefferson-designed tin-coated roof shingles, triple-sash windows, and the iconic dome, showcase his ingenuity and distinguish Monticello as a masterpiece of American architecture.
Thomas Jefferson
PROJECT OVERVIEW
MCWB Architects has played a significant role in preserving and restoring Monticello, contributing over two decades of expertise to the site. The firm began with a comprehensive Historic Structure Report (HSR) focused on the roof’s historical development. It expanded to include a five-volume HSR on the house, including its dependencies, landscape, and outbuildings. Through research, analysis, and careful reconstruction, MCWB restored critical architectural elements while honoring the building’s historic integrity.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
A detailed Historic Structure Report served as the foundation for MCWB’s work. The report documented the roof’s chronological evolution, identifying original assemblies and Jefferson’s design intent. For the porticles, extensive research was conducted, including analysis of Jefferson’s original sketches, late 19th-century photographs, and physical evidence found on the building, such as wood remnants. MCWB worked closely with on-site historians and archaeologists to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of all restoration efforts.
RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION
Guided by research, MCWB developed contract documents to inform the restoration and reconstruction process. For the roof, these documents outlined the reconstruction of Jefferson’s original architectural elements, including the balustrade, tin-coated shingles, and skylights. For the porticles, MCWB translated Jefferson’s sketches into working drawings that faithfully reflected his intent to filter sunlight and encourage airflow through the open-air louvered rooms on the south terraces.
Rendering by Peter Ferber
CONSTRUCTION
The reconstruction phase reintroduced Jefferson’s vision to Monticello. Work on the roof included:
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Reconstructing the balustrade
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Installing Jefferson-designed tin-coated metal shingles
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Rebuilding chimneys
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Restoring thirteen skylights to match Jefferson’s original design
For the porticles, Jefferson’s open-air louvered rooms on the south terraces were meticulously reconstructed, along with the picket rails along the terraces designed by Jefferson that were inaccurately restored in the 1950’s. MCWB carefully aligned the physical evidence on-site with historical documentation to bring these features, absent for nearly a century, back to their original form.
RESTORATION
MCWB ensured that the architectural integrity of Monticello was preserved. Lead roofing was applied to the dome and roof perimeter, combining durability with historical accuracy. The porticles and original picket rails were fully restored, once again serving their intended purpose of filtering light and allowing cooling breezes to circulate—honoring Jefferson’s original vision.
In addition to the restoration efforts at Monticello, MCWB also restored Jefferson’s Stable and Textile Workshop located on Mulberry Row of the property. These extensive projects revitalized the structures, allowing visitors to experience the significance of these historic spaces.
Thomas Jefferson’s Textile Workshop
Thomas Jefferson’s Stable
