Trinity Church in the City of Boston
Boston, MA
Goody Clancy designed the restoration and expansion of Trinity Church in the City of Boston, a National Landmark building designed by Henry Hobson Richardson. Dedicated in 1877, the building is considered one of the most important in American architecture, both for the Romanesque design that became known as Richardsonian Romenesque and the decorative interior which includes a major collection of stained-glass windows designed by artists William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones and John La Farge as well as decorative and figurative paintings by John La Farge.
Relevant Project Information:
- The entire project demonstrated the highest levels of preservation standards beginning with extensive archival and material research, the development of a Historic Structures Report and the creation of base plans and elevations using laser measurement systems.
- Preservation guidelines were developed utilizing the Secretary of Interior’s Standards, the Venice Charter and the ethics statement of the American Institute for Conservation.
- An international Advisory Council of historians and conservators was formed and met throughout the project to further review technical and aesthetic decisions.
- Phasing addressed exterior envelope issues and the installation of new geothermal wells before turning to creation of new spaces below the church and the restoration of the most important decorative painting.
- The restored sanctuary hosts three services a day and welcomes 100,000 visitors annually.
- Restoration work on the exterior tower included the conservation of carved sandstone statuary and details, tile and slate roofs and leaded windows.
Sustainable Design:
- Below grade spaces utilized existing building elements wherever possible, including wooden friction piles driven but not used in 1877.
- Utilizing geothermal via ground source heat pumps, digital controls, variable air, CO2 sensors, daylight sensors and efficient lighting, energy use is below ASHRAE 90.1.
- Water saving fixtures reduce water use, and 100% of storm water is retained on site and distributed as needed to maintain ground water levels essential for the structural integrity of the wood pilings.
- Local and recycled building materials were used throughout.
Awards:
- National Trust for Historic Preservation -- National Preservation Honor Award
- Massachusetts Historical Commission -- Preservation Award
- Boston Preservation Alliance -- Preservation Achievement Award
- Boston Society of Architects -- Honor Award Citation
- Building Stone Institute -- Tucker Design Award
- AGC -- AON Build America Award
- AGC -- Build New England Chairman’s Award
- Building Design + Construction Reconstruction & Renovation Platinum Award
- Construction Owner’s Association of America (COAA) -- Project Leadership Award
- Victorian Society of America -- New England Preservation Award
Additional Recognition:
- Named Boston Globe Magazine Best New Space.
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