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.
Project Summary
Award
Key team members
