Tag: Historic Buildings (2)

Kodet Architectural Group Historic Restoration Rendering

Balancing Contemporary Needs and Historic Preservation

Finding a balance between contemporary needs and the requirements of historic preservation can be a challenge.  There are established paths to success for those that work to maintain historic buildings in active use.  The following are a few upfront planning considerations when considering an historic rehabilitation. Proposed Uses Identifying a suitable use is essential.  This is relatively fairly straightforward if the use matches the original use. However, that is always not an option and suitable contemporary uses need to be explored.  A well selected new use will not compromise ‘historic character defining features’.    For example a use that would require modifications to an existing historic storefront would not be suitable.  On the other hand, a use might be viable if changes would be limited to modifications or additions to a non-historic interior or non-primary façade. Building Codes In-depth code analysis is essential to confirm whether the proposed use can be safely incorporated into the building.  The scope of work required to accommodate the proposed use within the code will vary greatly with the nature of the historic structure and the proposed use.  Consequently, it is important that this analysis occur early.  Code compliance is rarely a one-size-fits-all proposition with historic structures.  Building codes in recent years have evolved to offer various pathways to compliance.  This greatly assists working with historic structures that don’t fit neatly within contemporary building conventions. Contemporary Systems & Technology Whether the proposed use matches the historic use or is entirely contemporary, it is almost always necessary to incorporate new systems and to do so with as little impact or loss of historic character as possible.  Successfully incorporating new systems requires understanding the opportunities and limitations of how a building is constructed as well as a willingness to look for creative solutions. Evolving technologies offers increasingly less […]

Debunking Preservation Myths

Historic properties enrich our cities and capture our history. Don’t let myths about extra costs and over-regulation outweigh the benefits of undertaking your historic project! Historic buildings can’t be sustainable. FALSE. Several well-known historic buildings have been renovated to meet LEED standards. The U.S. Green Building Council recognizes historic buildings “represent significant embodied energy and cultural value”. LEED offers credits for the preservation or adaptive reuse of historic materials and features. New technologies and products make it possible to integrate sustainable solutions that improve the performance of a historic property. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation include special Guidelines on Sustainability. Work with a historic architect to determine if any of the following modifications could improve building performance without permanently damaging historic materials: Windows | Restore windows by replacing putty or weather-stripping to create an air-tight window opening. Interior Storm Window | Installing interior storm windows can nearly double the window’s insulating value. A compression fit assembly can be installed without any additional hardware or holes in the historic frame. Insulation | Historic buildings may not have any insulation. Blown-In insulation products can be installed into walls through small holes or attic access to improve energy performance. HVAC | After testing the existing system for efficiency, a new HVAC system can be installed as necessary within the replacement cycle. High velocity air ducts have a slim profile and can be retrofit into existing walls to avoid visible ductwork or additional soffits. Restoration | Inherently sustainable features, like skylights and operable windows, naturally improve occupant comfort since they predate electricity. A designated historic building can’t be altered for ADA accessibility. FALSE. With the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, access to properties open to the public is a civil right. This doesn’t mean every property is required to install an […]