Allegrone Co. Begins Restoration of the Peabody Essex Museum's Yin Yu Tang House

The Yin Yu Tang house, originally built during the Qing Dynasty in China's Huizhou region, was carefully dismantled, transported overseas, and reassembled at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem, Massachusetts. Over the years, the house has faced challenges due to the frosty New England climate, which differs significantly from its original environment. Allegrone Co., along with John G. Waite Associates, has been involved in the ongoing preservation efforts.

The Yin Yu Tang house is a remarkable example of traditional Chinese architecture from the late 18th century, Qing Dynasty. The house belonged to the Huang family, who were prosperous merchants. The name "Yin Yu Tang" translates to "Hall of Plentiful Shelter," reflecting the family's hopes for prosperity and protection. The Yin Yu Tang house now serves as a cultural and educational exhibit, offering visitors a unique glimpse into traditional Chinese life and architecture. 

In 2023, JGWA and Allegrone Co. conducted investigative probes and removed areas of render from the walls to examine the underlying brick.  Our teams performed various tests to establish repair protocols, including salt and moisture tests on the render coating, and tested cleaning products to reduce salt levels.  Subsequently, mockups were created to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods and materials.