Langdell Hall

Langdell Hall is library for the Harvard Law School (HLS), the largest academic law library in the world. Originally finished in 1907 with additions in 1929, the neoclassical building’s historical significance to the HLS campus required a mindful approach to solving its numerous building envelope issues.

BWA Architecture partnered with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger and conducted an intensive program of investigations and a crafted plan of remediation that would allow the library to remain occupied during renovations and ensure no disruption to daily activities. BWA’s involvement in the plan’s first phase to address the failing roof system and masonry issues required intensive coordination with the contractor, Harvard University, and HLS. The existing copper and rubber membrane roof system was replaced entirely in kind with a new robust copper and PVC membrane system complete with extended warranties. The project was the winner of the 2016 North American Copper in Architecture Award from the Copper Development Association, Inc.