ENR 2024 New York Best Projects
Award of Merit, Renovation/Restoration: New York State Capitol Courtyard Roof Replacement
Photo courtesy Greenwood Industries
New York State Capitol Courtyard Roof Replacement
Albany, N.Y.
Award of Merit
Submitted by: Greenwood Industries Inc.
Owner: Executive Dept., Office of General Services
Lead Design: Bell & Spina Architects
General Contractor: VMJR Cos.
Roofing and Architectural Metal Contractor: Greenwood Industries Inc.
While maintaining the original 19th-century design intent, the team replaced the historic pavilion’s original copper roof— including flat seam and standing seams, wall cladding, downspouts, intricate ornate rosettes, egg and dart trim and ornamental scroll work integrated into wall panels and windows.
The damaged existing membrane did not protect critical electrical and mechanical systems from water leaks. The team replaced the existing roof membrane with a paver roof system that restored the roof to the original architect’s vision. The waterproofing system over the courtyard consists of a lightweight insulating concrete base layer and monolithic liquid-resin applied Paraflex. The new outdoor space dressed in Malden blue stone and granite pavers meets the original design intent and the current design team’s updated vision.
To protect the building and not interfere with operations, no cranes were used to reach the central courtyard. All material, including six tons of copper, had to be carted through one entrance. The Hawk Street passageway and restaurant required structural reinforcing, insulation upgrades and careful copper restoration.
The $2.6-million project finished at budget and on time in 21 months. Extensive technical details and installer qualifications for the complex copper architecture includes intricate details more than a century old that required careful study of the original work to recreate it as closely as possible.
