Northeast
St. Paul’s School
SGH self-funded this research and worked in collaboration with St. Paul’s and Honeywell International Inc.
New Haven, CT
Yale University, Sterling Memorial Library
Scope/Solutions
Designed by James Gamble Rogers and constructed in 1930, the Sterling Memorial Library is Yale’s central research library and home to a priceless collection of books, historic documents, sound recordings, coins, photographs, and other artifacts. Low interior humidity, large seasonal temperature swings, and long-term leakage had damaged the library and its collections. SGH investigated the building enclosure issues and developed a rehabilitation and preservation program.
SGH investigated water leakage, evaluated interior humidity/temperature conditions for archival storage, and assessed moisture/vapor drive through the building enclosure. We developed a remedial design that included:
- Repairing stone facing and installing concealed wall and window flashings
- Restoring the original leaded glass windows in the Main Reading Room and prominent base buildings that became bowed and distorted due to age and frequent use
- Rehabilitating stained glass windows and the limestone window traceries, restoring natural brightness to the spectacular space
- Replacing existing windows in the stack tower with custom-made, high-performance windows, permitting better climate control
- Replacing deteriorated slate and copper roofs
Years later, Yale retained SGH to develop a restoration program for the large skylight and help them mitigate ongoing leakage and breakage resulting from an inadequately performing shock-absorbing protection screen over the skylight. We designed waterproofing details and a new shock-absorbing support system to prevent damage to the new glazing. Our design provided Yale with a safe and watertight skylight that maintains the aesthetics and lighting as viewed from the interior.
SGH is currently preparing the enclosure portions of a new master plan for the library.
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Project Summary
Award
Winner
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation | Preservation
Services
Structures | Building Enclosures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Shepley Bulfinch | Yale University | Schwartz Silver
Specialized Capabilities
Repair & Strengthening | Building Science | Condition Assessments | Preservation | Roofing & Waterproofing
Key team members
Additional Projects
Northeast
University of Hartford, Mortensen Library
The University of Hartford wanted to consolidate the Mortensen and Allen Libraries in one building, while accommodating new technology and adding collaborative work spaces. SGH was the structural engineer for the project.