THE CHALLENGE
Provide building envelope & structural engineering services for renovations to Baker-Esteves Hall at Harvard Business School, as a Consultant to CBT Architects.
CBI’S SOLUTION
CBI provided building envelope services associated with the full gut rehabilitation of Baker-Esteves Hall. These services included the evaluation of the existing conditions in order to recommend details and methods for roof replacement, window replacement, exterior masonry repairs, sealant replacement, penthouse repairs, new elevator waterproofing, and energy upgrades to meet current code requirements.
CBI determined the current state of the building envelope, which materials were functioning well and salvageable, and what materials needed to be replaced. We worked with the Architect and the Owner in the choice of materials, such as roofing membrane, windows and sealants. We provided details that were incorporated in the architectural plans for the entire building envelope. During construction, we made periodic site visits to review the work and discuss unknown conditions and modifications suggested by the Construction Manager or Architect.
Structural engineering support included lowering the slab in the area around the north elevator, structural detailing at new MEP shafts/chases, detailing limited demolition locations, and structural slab/roof at “glass cube” after removal of the upper level.
