Metal roofing preserves historic integrity of capitol building
by Jonathan McGaha | December 31, 2009 12:00 am
Follansbee, W.Va.-based Follansbee’s TCS II metal roof tops the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, maintaining the original aesthetic of the centuries-old structure.
Completed in 2007, the historic facility’s latest overhaul marks a step forward in the building’s history, yet maintains the design of former president and Virginia native, Thomas Jefferson. As part of the renovation efforts, Follansbee TCS II terne-coated stainless steel was selected as the modern replacement for the structure’s antiquated roof, preserving the building’s traditional visual appeal.
In 2003, the Virginia General Assembly approved $83.1 million for the renovation, restoration and expansion of the capitol building. The newest renovations mark huge advances in both functionality and sustainability for the building. In addition to the roof, the facility’s plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical and stormwater drainage distribution systems were all replaced. On the interior, deteriorating wall paintings and floor coverings were restored. Outside, the damaged brick foundation was refurbished, while a new 25,000-square-foot (2,323-m2) underground wing was added. The expansion provides a visitor’s entrance that is ADA complaint, as well as office space, meeting rooms and better security management.
“For this particular restoration, it was imperative that the entire design and construction team respect the original architectural order while incorporating materials that would equal or exceed the long-term architectural requirements of the Jeffersonian design,” said Thomas McGraw, executive vice president of W.A. Lynch Roofing Co. Inc., Charlottesville, Va., the project’s roofing installer. “In line with that, Follansbee TCS II, with its durability, natural weathering characteristics and minimal maintenance requirements, was a natural choice for replacing the previous batten seam roof.”
The Virginia State Capitol had undergone only two prior renovations in its 216-year history. Between 1904 and 1906, two wings were added to provide areas for the House of Delegates Chamber and the Senate Chamber. Then, between 1962 and 1964, an updated electrical and air conditioning system were installed. The facility’s design was originally modeled after an ancient Roman temple in France, the Maison Carrée at Nîmes.
Approximately 22,000 square feet (2,044 m2) of TCS II was installed as a custom batten seam roof with built-in gutters. Work on the capitol began in 2004 and was completed in May 2007. RMJM, Washington, D.C., was the architect; Gilbane, Laurel, Md., was the construction manager; and N.B. Handy Co., Richmond, Va., was the distributor.
“Follansbee was an active part of our team and collaborated with both our firm, the project architects and the construction manager to insure that the finished product was one that we can all be proud of,” McGraw continued. “As a historical restoration, we all recognized our part as stewards for this architectural masterpiece.”
Follansbee., www.follansbeeroofing.com
Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/projects/metal-roofing-preserves-historic-integrity-of-capitol-building/