Tag Archives: material science

Pittock Mansion Restoration

Built for Henry Pittock, an Oregon pioneer, newspaper editor, publisher, and wood and paper magnate, Pittock Mansion was designed in 1909. PMA updated and rewrote the existing Historic Structures Report and acted as Conservator and lead Preservation Architect.

As part of the Historic Structures Report (HSR), PMA conducted Infra-red analysis, ground penetrating radar and non-destructive evaluation to locate exterior veneer anchors and concrete reinforcing steel.

Building Envelope Corrections:
• Sandstone restoration repair.
• Infra red analysis to locate existing plumbing.
• Ground penetrating radar.
• Non-destructive evaluation to locate exterior veneer anchors and concrete reinforcing steel.
• Exterior repair documents of the water intrusion damage to the terraces and deck levels.

UW Denny Hall Renovation

Denny Hall was built in 1895 and was the first building constructed on the current University of Washington campus. Peter Meijer Architect, PC (PMA) conducted a full exterior envelope assessment and full window survey on this historically significant building in anticipation for renovation.

The assessment included terra-cotta and masonry attachment investigation, decorative iron work assessment and mortar petrographic examination. The window survey of the multi-paned steel sashes, the installation of which occurred during a campus-wide 1950 upgrade, provided information allowing the University and design team to retain the character defining features.

Additionally, PMA guided the design team on repair of the existing sandstone entry stairs and provided information on the “hidden” header course, which was a key factor in reducing the need and expense for further seismic anchors.

Mercy Corps World Headquarters Renovation

The historic Packer Scott building, now the World Headquarters for Mercy Corps, had significant damage to the original masonry resulting from inappropriate sand blasting cleaning techniques. PMA provided a complete building exterior assessment and identified areas of 50% or more cross section loss to the masonry and guided the design team towards suitable replacement material. In addition, PMA investigated foundation drainage issues during construction using non-destructive investigation techniques, and worked with the sub-contractors to provide proper techniques in the use of lime-based mortar.

Building Envelope Corrections:
• Analysis of exterior masonry and identification and specification of proper repair material and techniques.
• Analysis of the original construction means and methods of the sheet metal entablature as well as techniques for repair.
• Conducting full building window assessment and development of the drawings and package leading to support for window replacement.

Meier & Frank Warehouse Renovation: Vestas HQ

Peter Meijer Architect, PC (PMA) was the Historic Preservation Architect for the full restoration of the 160,000 square-foot Meier & Frank warehouse to office conversion for Vestas Headquarters, a wind turbine developer. Built in 1928, the renovation added a penthouse with ecoroof and outdoor gathering spaces to the original four story structure. For the renovation, PMA provided:

• Building condition assessment
• Analysis for the repair and design
• Construction documents

Additionally, PMA completed a limited exterior assessment of the roof for the added penthouse at the Meier & Frank building. The deficiencies noted at the penthouse level were similar in nature to the deficiencies at the lower elevations. The building is LEED platinum.

The Meier & Frank [Warehouse] built in 1927, was designed by the noted Portland architectural firm of Sutton and Whitney. The restoration of the Meier & Frank Warehouse required the evaluation and repair of extensive concrete cracking, replacement of reinforcing bar, and detail drawings suggesting the construction of repair concrete form work.

Oregon State Capitol Building Fire Restoration

The Oregon State Capitol was designed by the New York architectural firm of Trowbridge and Livingston in association with Francis Keally and completed in 1938. Erected in the Modernistic style, the Capitol was sensitively enlarged in 1977 by the Portland firm of Wolff Zimmer Gunsul Frasca in association with Pietro Belluschi. Constructed of reinforced concrete, the building is distinguished by angular, unadorned exterior elevations and a massive, ribbed lantern all sheathed in brilliant white Vermont marble.

In 2008, as part of the team creating a new Master Plan for the Capitol, PMA conducted a full exterior condition assessment of both the main building and east and west wings. On Labor Day 2008, an exterior fire damaged the Vermont marble and Oregon walnut interior panels adorning the Governor’s Ceremonial Suite. PMA was retained to guide the faithful restoration of this important Oregon icon.

Due to the third fire in the Oregon State Capitol’s history, the Governor’s Ceremonial Suite required complete restoration and renovation. PMA provided restoration documents for the repair and replacement of exterior marble, repair of interior walnut paneling, reinstallation of linoleum flooring, reintroduction of historic carpet, integration of preservation of historic materials, and the repair of plaster ceiling and walls. Additionally, PMA provided guidance to the conservationists repairing the WPA painting, which was also damaged. All restoration work was based on historic research and field analysis of existing materials.