Navy Yard Charleston
Charleston, SC
Better project
Sent by Building
Owner Navy Yard Charleston
Lead design firm Publish
Responsible for construction Building
Civil engineer Cypress Engineering
MEP engineer Molnar Jordan & Associates
Since its deactivation in 1996, this site has evolved to be welcomed to several companies, retaining the spirit of its naval heritage.
The Navy Yard Charleston project paid close attention to the preservation of the historical architecture of the 8 -warehouse and the United States Marine 9, and introduced modern design elements and services. Storehouse 8 is a two -storey brick shell, a steel structure built in 1908. Storehouse 9 is a four -storey building with a brick shell and a concrete structure built in 1918.
The scope of renewal included the preservation of existing brick exterior walls; Restoration of the historical whiteboard cover; installation of copper gutters; Restoration of cornice; Preservation and repair of existing interior plaster walls; and the repair of bricks, the rise, the point of view and the installation of new bricks to combine the original.
The preservation and restoration of the exterior brick walls of the Storehouse 9 was a significant challenge due to its historical importance and its unique construction. Built approximately 106 years ago through a barrier wall system, a method designed to divert water to the surface without internal drainage, the walls reflect historical construction practices that complicate modern renewal efforts.
Peter Bretlinger photo
According to the guidelines of the State Historical Preservation Office, water resistance improvements had to preserve the original exterior appearance. The project team developed a comprehensive solution that included the deteriorated mortar boards of the replacement, installing a specialized sealing of Cala de la Cala around each brick panel and the application of a compatible siloxy/water silho repellent.
Without documentation in the official records, the crews discovered a maze of unknown utility conflicts that required flexibility. On the east side of the courtyard, the team found a line of steam refrigerators that was historically used to transport the water from the Cooper river to the turbines refrigerated to the Power House. As a result, the water quality unit had to be moved. In addition, the discovery of an active storm sewer along Avenida Hobson caused a complete reconfiguration of the drainage system.
Peter Bretlinger photo
The proximity of the project with the Palmetto Activa railway line, which serves the Ports de Carolina del Sud, added a layer of complexity. Located 10 feet from the eastern property line, the railway line required all construction activities, deliveries and parking to be limited to the west side of the site. The building staff maintained supervision to ensure compliance with security regulations and to prevent subcontractors from rolling to the right of the railway.
The restoration of Storehouse 8 presented a series of challenges, especially in the supply and replication of historical materials. In addition to repairing brick and casting stone, about 20% of slate shingles were replaced by material from a Virginia quarry to ensure a perfect party. One of the most demanding tasks was the replacement and repair of the gutters and bars of copper. Replicating the historical profile required more than 24 breaks and a series of complex curves. Once completed, the new copper began to develop a natural patina that will finally mix with the existing metal.
The 17 -month project was delivered to the budget and the program without registered incidents and without lost accidents.
