Texas-based Schaum Architects will lead the restoration of the Artillery Sheds at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa. These two structures originally served as 1930s military buildings before artist Donald Judd converted them in the 1980s to house his permanent collection of milled-aluminium works.
The project focuses on maintaining the original vision of the artist while updating the buildings for long-term use. Troy Schaum described the studio’s approach as editing around the edges. This work requires an integrated strategy because the interior and exterior elements are linked in the design of the sheds. The construction team intends to secure the roof against wind by adding kicker braces that also allow for the installation of properly sized gutters.
Water management is a key priority for this renovation. The new gutter system will feed a landscape restoration plan developed by Dept LLC and Jim Martinez. This effort includes restoring areas of the site that suffered degradation from its previous military use and adding an ADA-compliant walking path.
Air conditioning remains the most complex part of the renovation. The team aims to maintain low-carbon operations without installing noisy or bulky mechanical systems. They plan to use existing concrete expansion joints to house solar-powered air filtration units. These units will circulate fresh air while the facade glass undergoes treatment to keep temperatures at acceptable levels. Visitors will not see or hear these systems, preserving the quiet environment of the museum spaces.
Construction will require the removal of the aluminium art pieces for the first time since their initial installation. The rest of the museum will remain open to the public while the Artillery Sheds are closed for the duration of the work.