approaches outlined in state historic building codes,
Original hardware should be maintained in place and
rehabilitation codes, and performance based codes to
upgraded to remain functional wherever possible. Lobby
resolve conflicts between prescriptive code requirements
and corridor floor landing indicators should be scaled to
and preservation goals should be explored.
avoid destruction of original ornamental finishes, such as
borders in stonework designed to frame original
New work in alterations generally should meet current
indicators.
codes, unless a special hazard is created by combining new
and old systems. Such conflicts should be resolved with
Horizontal Distribution.
GSA.
Fortunately, many older buildings have tall floor to floor
See Chapter 7: Fire Protection & Life Safety, for additional
heights, which give the architect two options: a raised
information.
access floor or a very deep ceiling space.
If raised access flooring is to be considered, refer to GSA
Placing Mechanical and Electrical Systems
RF/UFAD Guidelines.
in Renovated and Rehabilitated Buildings
The other option is to create a deep ceiling space and zone
Finding space for air conditioning, power and
it carefully for the most efficient fit of all engineering
communications cabling is one of the biggest design
systems. Ceilings should never be dropped below the level
challenges in remodeling work. Existing systems are
of the window head. In historic buildings, care should be
usually totally inadequate, shafts are too small and ceiling
taken not to allow the installation of dropped ceilings to
space is too shallow. See Chapter 5: Mechanical
damage character-defining architectural details and, if
Engineering, Major Alterations in Existing Buildings and
possible, to maintain visual access to such details.
Historic Structures and Chapter 6: Electrical Engineering,
Carefully designed exposed system installations are
Major Alterations in Existing Buildings and Historic
encouraged in workspace where exposing systems will
Structures.
a) enable original ornamental ceilings and finishes to
remain exposed, b) maintain original high ceiling volume
Vertical Distribution. Space for new shafts can sometimes
and daylight in new open space offices, or c) avoid
be found in stairwells, if the stairs are larger than required
disturbing hazardous materials such as asbestos. Exposed
by code. Any element incorporated must have the
systems in historic spaces should be designed to minimize
appropriate fire-resistive construction and not impose on
interference with historic details.
the accessible pathway. If elevator systems need to be
replaced, elevator shafts can become duct shafts or
In narrow buildings, it may be possible to create a furred
electrical closets. The building exterior also offers
horizontal space adjacent to the exterior and core walls,
possibilities if new vertical elements can be integrated
which can be used as a raceway for utilities. Vertical
with the faade design.
furring on columns and walls for receptacles is another
possibility and can be integrated as an architectural
Original elevator doors should be retained. Design for new
feature. If space is tight, all-water or water-and-air systems
hoistway and cab doors should be based upon original
should be considered for air conditioning, instead of all-
door detailing, matching original materials and adapting
air systems.
ornamentation as necessary to comply with code.
101
ARCHITECTURAL
AND
INTERIOR
DESIGN
3.8
Alterations in Existing Buildings and Historic Structures
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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