Update Building Systems Appropriately

by the WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee

Last updated: 04-30-2008

Overview

For many historic structures, "building systems" are new additions that must be incorporated with as much sensitivity to the original fabric as possible. However, more recently constructed buildings, such as early 20th century commercial buildings, may contain early systems that may be historic themselves and can be reused. For example, decorative ventilation grilles and switch plates may contribute to a building's significance as much as marble wainscoting or decorative stenciling.

Careful planning is required to balance preservation objectives with interior systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural systems, information and communication technologies, and conveyance systems. Since new mechanical and other related systems, such as electrical and fire suppression, can use up to 10% of a building's square footage and 30%-40% of an overall rehabilitation budget, decisions must be made in a systematic and coordinated manner. While it might not be always possible to completely conceal the presence of new technology, it may be possible to lessen the impact on a building's integrity and retain as much of the original building fabric as possible.

Changes—both big and small—can have a significant cumulative impact over time. Care must be taken during initial project design and periodic upgrades to avoid the incremental loss of integrity. Following are four basic principles to keep in mind when upgrading systems in historic properties:

• Sympathetic Upgrades: Building systems upgrades should be sympathetic to the architect's specific design intent, e.g., utilitarian spaces vs. highly finished spaces.
• Reversibility: Building systems upgrades should be installed to avoid damage to —or to be removable without further damaging—character-defining features and/or finishes.
• Retention of Historic Fabric: 'Work around' the historic fabric as much as possible. The basic mind-set prescribes forethought and respect for historic materials. For example, design systems efficiently enough to fit into existing openings or be accessible off site.
• Life-Cycle Benefit: Long-term preservation emphasizes life-cycle benefits of reusing historic properties and planning for changing needs. As such, consider the following:
  • Minimize intrusions and long-term impact on historic materials as future repairs and replacements are made.
  • Complex systems will require more maintenance to perform properly.
  • Explore alternatives that will allow the reuse of existing system elements, e.g., reuse ducts to avoid replacement costs.
  • Design zone systems that will allow repairs to be done without disrupting the entire building.
  • Take advantage of financial benefits of historic properties, such as special use rental or increased rental rates, of restoring lobbies and other significant spaces previously altered.

Early Planning

During the initial design phase, preservation zones are defined within the individual preservation management plan, giving a hierarchy of significance to the building's spaces and features (i.e., primary, secondary, and tertiary spaces). An understanding of the building's most important spaces and features is critical to evaluating preservation trade-offs and preserving character-defining qualities. It is better to install new equipment in secondary or tertiary spaces, and avoid or minimize intrusions in primary architectural spaces. Basements and attics are usually good locations for horizontal routing of systems; existing chases such as fireplaces, flues, and utility closets are good for vertical routing of systems; and use existing penetrations and chases to the greatest extent possible. Be aware that some basements may contain valuable archeological sites that should not be disturbed. Also, janitorial closets can be good locations for electrical equipment. Where possible, use this opportunity to improve on the placement and function of a building's systems so as to emphasize the building's integrity.

Recommendations

A. HVAC—Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning

Choose a system and/or equipment that is appropriate for the use of the building. For instance, a museum has different climatic needs than an office building.

General

• Retain original architectural configurations, surfaces, and finishes, such as vaulted and ornamental ceilings, pilasters, and capitals.
• Retain any existing historically significant features, such as original registers, radiators, escutcheons, radiator enclosures, etc., by reusing existing ductwork, vents/air intakes, and janitorial closets.
• If disturbance is unavoidable, the replacement should match the design, color, texture, and materials of the original.
• Match the finished appearance of the space to the original.
• Ensure that the addition of HVAC systems and other repairs will not corrupt the building's structural integrity.

Distribution System

• Avoid the need for new ductwork, especially in lobbies, corridors, and other circulation spaces, by examining ductless alternatives such as split systems and pipe systems with reuse of existing ducts for ventilation.
• If new ductwork is unavoidable, disturb as little original fabric as possible and minimize the visual impact.
  • Avoid reconfiguring ceilings (e.g. suspended ceilings) to accommodate air distribution.
  • Install in attic or basements first. If service areas are not available, carefully place in secondary areas, never in primary spaces, away from window heads.
  • Retain full window height so that exterior appearance is unaltered.
  • Configure ceilings to avoid obscuring the full height of windows and interior or exterior transoms.
  • Retain decorative millwork and other character-defining features. Rather than puncturing decorative elements, move the position of the ductwork.
  • Configure ductwork to be as flat as possible and to avoid disrupting the symmetry of the space. Explore zoning using multiple, smaller ducts, rather than a single, larger profile duct system.
  • Avoid running ductwork along or across corridors.
  • Where appropriate, step, slope or pocket out the ceiling with sufficient depth to retain the original appearance of a full, unobscured window from the exterior.
  • In some cases, exposed ductwork may be appropriate, such as in industrial or other utilitarian buildings, or spaces with vaulted or other decorative ceilings that would otherwise have to be obscured.

Building Envelope

• Retain window operability; install locks and/or stops if required to control tenant use.
• Use operable windows for natural ventilation during temperate spring and fall months whenever possible.
  • Use weather stripping and insulating doors and windows, instead of replacing or sealing windows.
• Consider the architect's original energy conservation methods, such as operable windows, porches, overhangs, etc. Incorporate these features into the overall energy conservation plan.
  • Are weather stripping and storm windows appropriate?
• Retain original ventilation systems, (e.g. attic vents, crawl space, and airflow patterns).
• Carefully consider insulation options; ensure that the chosen method/materials will not create condensation in a building's interior.
• Consider the appropriateness of moisture vapor barriers; if chosen, install them with sensitivity to the historic fabric.
• Maintain good breathability/permeability of the envelope; be mindful of the original structure's inherent tolerance to moisture.

Equipment

• Install air handlers and other equipment in locations that will least affect building occupants and activities (e.g. vibration and noise).
• Install wall or ceiling mounted equipment in secondary or tertiary spaces.
• Locate any exterior building equipment adjacent to a secondary or tertiary façade or landscape, rather than the primary façade or landscape.
  • Landscaping is a low cost method of camouflaging new HVAC equipment.
  • Remotely locating new equipment may be necessary if there are archeological or historic landscape features immediately adjacent to a building.
• Hide roof-mounted equipment from the street or other obvious vantage points (a site study can indicate good locations).
• A detailed discussion of installing HVAC equipment in historic buildings can be found in Preservation Brief 24: Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Historic Buildings Problems and Recommended Approaches.

B. Information and Communication Technology

Information technology systems are complex and constantly changing. These systems have exponentially increased the need for easily accessible wiring raceways. Today's modern office buildings incorporate raised floors that allow easy access to wiring systems. Although not appropriate for all buildings and spaces, in some historic buildings this approach can enable retention of ornamental ceilings and features:

• Consider wireless solutions.
• Reuse existing conduit and wiring chases to the greatest extent possible.
• For small and/or highly significant buildings, consider locating computer servers off-site.
• Design for flexibility of layout.
• Install computer and IT wiring that can easily be reversed.
• Ensure that the wiring and associated equipment are easily accessible so that they may be periodically replaced and updated.
• Ensure that the addition of information and communication technologies and other repairs will not corrupt the building's structural integrity.

Computer Rooms

• Locate servers in appropriate climate-controlled tertiary spaces that minimize intrusion, such as basements or existing windowless rooms.
• Avoid altering doors and windows for climate control.
• Use existing vertical chases to run IT cables.
• For security, retrofit existing doors in a reversible and compatible manner instead of replacing them.

Wiring Distribution

• Retain decorative millwork and other character-defining features.
• Avoid obscuring or altering decorative cornice and other character-defining features.
• For ornamental spaces, consider raceways hidden by historic cornices and mouldings.
• Do not install exposed wiring systems.
• Create a maintenance plan with strict standards for installation of new wiring and equipment. Ensure that copies of wiring diagrams are available to building managers and external locations.
• Design for flexibility and expansion.
• Do not drill marble, parquet, terrazzo, and other finished flooring. If unavoidable, drill in corners to minimize impacts and run wiring along baseboards.
• Select high-quality, highest speed, and smallest size cabling to minimize the need for future intrusive replacements, especially in ornamentally significant spaces.

C. Lighting/Electrical

Historic lighting levels may not be appropriate for current or planned use of a historic building and the installation of new lighting systems may be necessary. The lighting levels and equipment should be appropriate to the building's current or planned use while respecting the original fabric.

Interior Lighting

• Retain as much original fabric as possible when installing new systems (i.e., do not needlessly puncture a decorative plaster ceiling or molding, when it may be as feasible to relocate a fixture or junction box).
• Retrofit existing light fixtures with reflectors to increase light output.
• Conserve and rewire existing fixtures and accessories. Even if original fixtures will not be electrified and/or used, they should be retained and preserved in situ.
• If original fixtures cannot produce the amount of light required, use alternate light sources from removable fixtures, such as task lighting and torchiéres. Inconspicuous sconces or unobtrusive perimeter ceiling lighting are preferable to eye-catching modern fixtures.
• Retain and reuse original, character defining switch plates and other accessories.
• Use existing electrical chases.
  • Install new chases within or behind walls or vertically in secondary or tertiary spaces.
• If using historically sensitive replacements that are wired for modern energy loads and light output.
  • Replicas of original lighting fixtures can be designed to accommodate energy efficiency and multiple light sources.
• Incorporate the original light color in new lighting plans.
• Ensure that the addition of interior lighting systems and other repairs will not corrupt the building's structural integrity.

Exterior Lighting

• Consider landscape features when designing exterior lighting schemes; outside lighting will have implications on landscape design.
• Consider security and accessibility requirements.
• Mount on existing poles or structures.
• Install in non-intrusive areas and use it to highlight historic features of a building.
• Use accent lighting as an effective way to highlight architectural features.
  • Use gentle, raking light rather than large spotlights. Do not flood fa…ades with excessive light.
• If installing exterior lighting features, such as light poles or lower light sources, choose historically appropriate options.
• Ensure that the addition of exterior lighting systems and other repairs will not corrupt the building's structural integrity.

D. Plumbing

Prior to initiating a plumbing upgrade, it is important to ascertain whether these traditionally utilitarian spaces are in fact historic and must be preserved. If they are not historic, then rehabilitate them with sensitivity to the surrounding historic building materials, finishes, and features. However, if plumbing elements are historic, then take care to preserve them:

• Retain and preserve historically significant configuration, layout, and plumbing elements, such as bathroom and kitchen fixtures and features.
• When repairing/replacing existing pipes, do not damage adjacent finish materials, such as floor and wall tiles.
  • If new pipes must be installed and are visible, they should be located inconspicuously and they should complement adjacent finishes.
• Use existing pipe runs in their original location. Otherwise, install them in closets, service rooms, and wall cavities.
• Avoid primary fa…ades and rooms if pipes must be affixed to the interior or exterior of a building.
• Do not cut through character defining features, such as moldings, wainscoting, etc.
• Ensure that the addition of plumbing systems and other repairs will not corrupt the building's structural integrity.

E. Conveyance Systems

Elevators and escalators may also contribute to a building's historic significance. First ascertain whether these features are historically significant:

• Reuse existing components to maximum extent possible.
• Retain original fixtures, features, and materials; many historically significant conveyance systems still retain some, if not all, their original elements, particularly finish elements. Examples are original, exotic wood veneers within elevator cabs and bronze and brass switch plates, floor indicators, and handrails.
• Combine code requirements and preservation concerns; often original features can be slightly modified to meet code requirements.
• Ensure that the addition of conveyance systems and other repairs will not corrupt the building's structural integrity.

F. Structural

When updating a building's structure, it is preferable to retain and repair as much of the original structural system as possible. However, it may be necessary to add an entirely new structural system or to strengthen the existing system with modern innovations. For instance, a new structural system might be installed to accommodate the larger crowds associated with a museum; whereas originally, the building housed only a small family. Also, it's important to note that a structural system itself may be historic and may require sensitivity when altering or repairing it. The Brooklyn Bridge, for instance, is an example of a structural system that is inseparable from the aesthetic impact. If structural intervention is necessary:

• When structural systems have historic architectural significance; develop creative solutions to meet life/fire safety requirements as well as historic preservation goals.
• Ascertain whether the building's structure or structural components are integral to the character-defining features of the building: retain as much of the original structural form and features as possible.
  • Replicate the original structural system, if necessary.
• Plan a use for the building that doesn't necessitate an augmented structural system.
• Consider the 'physics' of a proposed repair (i.e., will the alteration have the same thermal expansion coefficient as the existing structural system?).
• Carefully remove, catalogue, and store original adjacent features, finishes, and details for later re-installation. To access the structural system, it may be necessary to remove existing finish materials.
• Preserve extant features of historic structural systems, such as post and beam systems and trusses.
• Sensitively reinforce structural systems; sister principle structural components rather then replace them.
• Document any structural features that are too deteriorated to retain.
• When selectively repairing a structural system, replace missing or deteriorated materials in-kind; examples include replicating cast iron columns.
  • If substitute materials are unavoidable, they should convey the same form, design, and overall visual appearance as the historic feature.
• Use reversible repair and maintenance methods, for instance, spray in urea-formaldehyde foam would be inappropriate for a historic structural system.
• Ensure that the addition of building systems and other repairs will not corrupt the building's structural integrity.

Major Resources

WBDG

Design Objectives

Historic Preservation—Additional Resources, Historic Preservation—Apply the Preservation Process Successfully, Historic Preservation—Accommodate Life Safety and Security Needs, Productive—Integrate Technological Tools, Productive—Design for the Changing Workplace

Publications

• Preservation Brief 24: Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Historic Buildings Problems and Recommended Approaches National Park Service.
• Structural Analysis of Historic Buildings: Restoration, Preservation, and Adaptive Reuse Applications for Architects and Engineers by J. Stanley Rabun.
• Structural Aspects of Building Conservation (McGraw-Hill International Series in Civil Engineering) by Poul Beckmann and Robert Bowles. McGraw-Hill Text: March 1995.
• Structural Repair and Maintenance of Historical Buildings III by C.A. Brebbia and R.J.B. Frewer (Editor). Computational Mechanics:, May 1993.