Chapel of the Séminaire de Québec

Project: Chapel of the Séminaire de Québec

Owner: Musée de la civilisation Québec

Architect: Lafond Coté Architects

Installer: Céramiques Bonamigo

Built in 1900, the Chapel of the Séminaire was deconsecrated in 1992 and is one of Québec’s heritage sites. It is now a sought-after venue for event planners hosting exceptional gatherings, such as banquets, galas, press conferences, and various corporate events.

Objective: Since the fall of 2021, restorers from the Québec Conservation Center have focused on preserving and restoring the chapel’s decorative and architectural elements to restore their splendor and beauty from 120 years ago.

Challenge: The chapel’s floor needed repairs while respecting and preserving the existing installations. Its unconventional structure posed a significant challenge, with the subfloor containing arches up to 4 feet deep, filled with rubble and a layer of sand. Another project aspect was preserving part of the original floor tiles, requiring the new tiles to match the originals perfectly and maintain the initial aesthetic. The new tiles were handmade in England specifically for this project.

Products Used:

• Schluter?-DITRA: Uncoupling membrane
• Schluter ALL-SET?: Specialized modified thin-set mortar

Solution: To ensure the new tiles' durability and performance, the DITRA membrane was installed on all repaired floor areas. This uncoupling membrane separates the tile from the underlying structure, minimizing stress between the tile and the substrate, preventing cracks, and ensuring long-lasting floor performance. Given the potential for heavy foot traffic, it was crucial to provide a solution that would preserve the new tile installation over time. ALL-SET thin-set mortar was used to install both the DITRA membrane and the tiles.

Result: The restoration of the Chapel of the Séminaire has revitalized this iconic space while preserving its architectural heritage. Using the DITRA membrane and ALL-SET mortar ensured that the new flooring respected the original aesthetic and met the demands of heavy foot traffic, guaranteeing long-term durability. This project’s success highlights the importance of combining heritage preservation with technical innovation, ensuring the chapel will continue to shine for many years to come.