Langdell Hall, at Harvard Law School (HLS), is the largest academic law library in the world. Originally finished in 1907, with additions in 1929, the neoclassical building’s historical significance to the HLS campus required a mindful approach to solving its numerous building envelope and roofing issues.

 

BWA Architecture partnered with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger to conduct an intensive program of investigations and crafted a thoughtful plan for remediation that would allow the library to remain occupied during renovations, ensuring no disruption to daily activities. BWA’s involvement in the plan’s first phase to address the failing roof system and masonry issues required intensive coordination with the contractor, Harvard University, and HLS. The existing copper and rubber membrane roof system was replaced entirely in kind with a new robust copper and PVC membrane system, complete with extended warranties. The project was the winner of the 2016 North American Copper in Architecture Award from the Copper Development Association, Inc.