The renovation of the St. Gertrude High School Chapel in Richmond, VA, showcases the successful integration of traditional ecclesiastical stonework with modern fabrication technology. Beginning in early 2024, the school embarked on a chapel transformation centered on creating a sacred space inspired by classical Catholic architectural traditions. Recognizing the importance of stonework to the design, the architect engaged Rugo Stone early in the process to assist with stone specifications, detailing, and fabrication strategies.
A focal point of the project was the creation of a monumental Cosmati-style marble floor inspired by the historic Cosmatesque pavements of Italy, particularly those at the Abbey of Monte Cassino. The intricate floor design incorporated geometric mosaics and medallions crafted from nine carefully selected marble colors. The palette was intentionally chosen to reflect the colors found in the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe, adding symbolic and spiritual significance to the design.
Following extensive material selection and mockups, Rugo Stone fabricated the floor in-house using a combination of waterjet technology and traditional craftsmanship. Stainless steel templates were precision-cut to guide the assembly of thousands of individual marble pieces, which were then hand-fitted, epoxied, and polished into highly detailed mosaic panels. Each floor section was fully dry-laid at Rugo Stone’s facility to verify fit and quality before shipment and installation.
In addition to the flooring, Rugo Stone fabricated and installed several liturgical furnishings, including the main altar, baptismal font, ambo, and statue bases. Carved from Tennessee marble, these pieces featured classical moldings, custom engravings, and finely crafted details that complemented the chapel’s traditional character.
The completed project received high praise from both the owner and architect for its craftsmanship, precision, and collaborative execution. The Saint Gertrude Chapel renovation stands as a testament to Rugo Stone’s ability to revive historic stoneworking traditions through exceptional artistry, technical expertise, and modern fabrication capabilities.
Location: Richmond, VA
Completion Date: 2025
Owner: St. Gertrude High School
Size: 3,000 sqft
Owner: St. Gertrude High School
Architect: Glave & Holmes Architecture
General Contractor: Taylor & Parish, Inc.
Services Performed: Consultation, Designing, CNC & Waterjet Fabrication, Carving, Installation
