Historic Windows – Restore or Replace?

When restoring an historic building, the feature that often proves the most challenging is the windows. VIA must consider a host of factors to help clients determine the best course of action including: their historic significance, the current or intended use of the building, the relevant building science around moisture and energy efficiency, the current condition of the windows, and health and safety factors like the size of the openings and the presence of lead paint and asbestos. Cost is also often of great concern.

We work closely with the Department of Historic Preservation (DHP) to find a desirable solution for each project. Each with valid points of view, the sometimes competing interests of historic preservation, building science and energy efficiency, and the standards of health and safety for the current use, and cost, of course, have to find a balance to achieve the desired result. At the Park House, a former inn that is now a residence for seniors in Rochester, the solution was pretty straightforward. Heavy windows that wouldn’t reliably stay open or open at all prevented residents from accessing natural ventilation. Since the windows were not particularly historically significant, it made more sense to replace them to better suit the current use.

The Park House in Rochester
Deteriorating Slade Hall window.

Sometimes projects are trickier, as in the case of UVM’s Slade Hall, a dormitory designed by McKim, Mead, and White and built in 1928. Given this historic significance, the deteriorating windows posed a thornier problem. Together with DHP and UVM officials, we examined a host of factors to determine whether to restore or replace. After an in-depth cost-benefit analysis and construction of two mock up replacement windows, the team agreed that for the safety of the building’s occupants, the energy efficiency of the building, and the significant cost savings, replacement was the best, if not perfect, solution. One exception with this project is the double-hung, arch-topped window in the stair, which is being reglazed, restored, and will receive a very special exterior storm window.

As always, every historic preservation project is unique. Lovely old windows add character but can be drafty, heavy, or otherwise challenging for today’s standards. They can also be significant historic artifacts that beg restoration to a functional state. It takes a nuanced approach, creative problem solving, and collaboration across disciplines to determine the best solution. VIA is especially proud of its on-going working relationship with DHP and many historic preservation consultants throughout the state. Together we work to balance our clients’ priorities while keeping buildings relevant, well-maintained, well-used, and well-loved for many generations to come.

VIA is Efficiency Vermont’s Commercial Building Design & Construction Partner of the Year

In February, Vermont Integrated Architecture, P.C. (VIA), was named Efficiency Vermont’s Commercial New Construction Partner of the Year. Nominated by Efficiency Vermont (EVT) collaborative partners, VIA garnered a unanimous vote of EVT officials to receive the award. EVT announced this and other awards at its annual conference, Better Buildings by Design. Award winners demonstrate excellence in designing, building, and renovating energy efficient and sustainable buildings.

In the award narrative, EVT noted that “Vermont Integrated Architecture’s commitment to energy efficiency goes beyond its project design work. Sustainability is embedded in VIA’s culture and evident in its buildings. Under the leadership of principals Andrea Murray and Ashar Nelson, the Middlebury-based architectural design firm takes a holistic approach to high-performance building design, weaving in considerations of people and planet while remaining focused on the client’s goals. With an attitude of collaboration, VIA engages all project players to achieve the most efficient design.”
 

Andrea Murray echoed the sentiment, commenting that “We have enjoyed our collaboration with Efficiency Vermont over the years, most recently on the Vergennes Community Housing project and the new Pierson Library in Shelburne. Our close work with Efficiency Vermont ensures that our projects showcase the best strategies for energy efficiency and help advance sustainable design. We are delighted by the honor and look forward tackling new challenges with the support of Efficiency Vermont. We are very fortunate to have this unique utility in Vermont that is championing the challenges architects and builders face with respect to climate change.” VIA has been working with EVT for many years, specifically with a pilot program promoting Net Zero Energy buildings in Vermont. The Waterbury Municipal Center, designed by VIA and completed in 2016, was among the first in the program and helped solidify its viability. In addition, VIA has conducted research into energy modeling software for EVT, and as a result now shares that knowledge with its clients.  VIA also contributed to evaluations of commissioning services, which help ensure that building envelopes and building systems operate optimally for the most efficient outcomes.
 
“This year’s winners are achieving the highest levels of building performance in a state that boasts a statewide network of highly skilled efficient designers, builders, and contractors,” said Efficiency Vermont Director Rebecca Foster. “We are proud to support and celebrate Vermont’s building professionals, who are critical to our small state’s nationally renowned success in bringing the benefits of energy efficiency to all Vermonters.”

VIA House Exceeds Passivhaus Standard

Carothers-Blower-Door

 

The recent blower door test on the Carothers’ new home in the White Pine Lane neighborhood in Middlebury demonstrated that the house exceeds the Passivhaus airtightness standard of 0.6 ach50 (air changes per hour at a pressure difference of 50 Pascals) with a reading of 0.4 ach50.   For comparison, the Vermont energy code requires a reading of 3.0 ach50 while the Vermont high performance building standard is 1.0 ach50.  This result ranks among the best of architect Jean Terwilliger’s work. The test was done prior to the addition of insulation; another test will be run when the house is complete.  You can learn more about blower door tests at the Green Building Advisor website.