Cambridge, MA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Building 10 Great Dome

Scope/Solutions
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Project Summary

Scope/Solutions

Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Main Group Buildings, dedicated in 1916, include Building 10 with its prominent limestone- and copper-clad Great Dome. SGH investigated leakage into the Barker Library below the Great Dome and developed a durable repair solution commiserate with the original design aesthetic. We also led a multidisciplinary team for the restoration of the oculus skylight and the Barker Reading Room.

For the waterproofing repair project, SGH completed the following:

Designed repairs to add continuous waterproofing over the stepped portion of the concrete dome, requiring removal of limestone and copper cladding
Surveyed existing limestone so new stone could be cut to match original shapes, but with reduced depth to permit proper drainage
Tested stepped waterproofing options to verify their ability to accommodate the unique geometry and compatibility with existing built-up waterproofing
Designed a custom anchorage assembly to maintain an open cavity behind stones and provide adjustability for setting stones on the circumference
Sequenced installation of copper flashing and limestone to match the original flashing and protect the new waterproofing

For the oculus restoration, SGH performed the following:

Designed a new stainless steel skylight with 1,042 new prismatic glass blocks to replace the existing concrete-framed glass block skylight
Designed a new aluminum-framed, silicone-glazed skylight to provide the weatherproofing for the oculus
Reviewed and analyzed the existing laylight frame and designed new safety glazing for the laylight
Analyzed air movement to reduce laylight condensation risk potential
Monitored construction, provided real-time solutions to issues as they arose, reviewed mockups, and water tested completed installations