SGH designed structural alterations that included a vertical addition for an MEP penthouse, leveling of certain tiered classrooms and the addition of tiers at others, accommodations for a new elevator and new vestibules, lowering of the basement for a new mechanical floor, reframing and strengthening certain floor areas, framing openings for MEP services, and reconfiguring stairs and lobbies.
The project goals for the building enclosure included improving energy performance, maintaining the historic aesthetic, and meet LEED Gold requirements. Highlights of SGH's building enclosure work include the following:
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Conducted a complete hands-on survey of the facade and provided repair recommendations based on findings
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Conducted transient moisture vapor drive analysis of the masonry walls to determine the effects of insulating the mass masonry wall on the interior
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Completed related material testing to determine the existing brick material properties necessary for the analysis
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Assisted the MEP designer with developing thermal properties for the enclosure materials for their whole building energy analysis
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Worked with FXFowle to develop replacement window options that provide modern thermal performance, but replicate the look of the original steel projecting windows
- Assisted with LEED certification analysis of the building enclosure