Open Forum

Hello,

I am need of recommendations for a consultant/consulting firm in HVAC systems and overall climate control of a multi-use building.  Our facility was not purpose built as a museum (it was a warehouse and IT building) and we are battling humidity issues.  I know that one of the primary issues is the lack of a proper vapor barrier but frequent breakdowns of the HVAC system and the fact that the system was not built with exhibition and artifact and archival storage spaces in mind are contributing factors as well (there may also be larger electrical issues).

Because this has reached a crisis point, I have a window of opportunity to have a full assessment of the building and systems and make recommendations to fix and not just band-aid the problems.  I'm looking for recommendations of system engineers/HVAC specialists that understand archival and artifact storage spaces but also use common-sense in their approach (I have seen systems installed that are far too complicated for facilities staff to maintain).  

Also, if you have recently gone through an HVAC overhaul/replacement or installation of a vapor barrier on an existing building I'd love to hear your advice and lessons learned!

Thanks in advance!

Kind regards,

Jenn

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Jennifer Landry
Curator
National Scouting Museum Boy Scouts of America
Irving TX
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Jenn--

There are a few engineering firms with experience with museum environments. The challenge is both mechanical and structural--how you keep the air at the right RH and how you keep that from destroying the building. Vapor barriers are not used very often any more. It turned out it was impossible to make them 100% effective and even a little "leak" could cause damage to the building over the long term.

I've been working with Kohler Ronan out of NYC recently. Landmark Facilities Group and AltieriSeborWieber Consulting Engineers have an excellent reputation, as do several other firms. 

Appelbaum and Himmelstein are strictly consultants and might be a good place to start. 

You might also contact the American Institute for Conservation:  

Good lucAmerican Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

Good luck!

Guy

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Guy Hermann
Principal, Museum Insights

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Jennifer,

I think it would be best to take a holistic approach to understand if your problem is primarily an envelope or HVAC system issue and how to balance upgrades to either or both systems. Most MEP engineering firms will focus on the HVAC systems side and might only offer a partial solution. You want someone who understands your local climate and museum curatorial issues to help you come up with a well integrated solution that balances first cost, constructability, operational complexity, and long term energy and operation costs. 

I would be happy to talk to you more about this if you want to contact my directly.

Best,

Nico

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Nico Kienzl
Director, Atelier Ten
New York NY
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5-28-15

Hi--

The San Antonio Museum of Art is housed in a converted brewery. Information about the conversion of the industrial building into an art museum can be found on the website of the design firm responsible for the conversion: http://www.c7a.com/work/san-antonio-museum-of-art

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Gregory Dobie
Editor/Educator/Writer
Sherman Oaks CA
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Hello Jennifer (and Nico - good to see you here)

I completely agree with the holistic approach. An integrated team - architect, HVAC engineer, collections care folks, and the construction folks, need to put their heads together to find the problem, and to design a solution. One way to build that team is to start with a visit from an architect or engineer (or both) for an orientation. Choose ones you know will tell you what they know is wrong and what they don't know about what is wrong. They can help you find the people who can fill in the knowlege gaps, and then you'll be developing your own integrated team based on the problems at hand.  

In the spirit of providing three names whenever making recommendations for colleagues, I have three for you:

Twice I've been part of team (full disclosure - I am neither architect nor engineer, but am the green museum voice) where the approach helped solve problems. Both were funded by NEH in their Sustaining Cultural Heritage grant programs (usually a December 1 deadline).  One was with an engineer who speaks non-engineer english, Dave Hoffman of Gipe Associates  Easton, MD 21601 Phone: (410) 822-8688. The other was for Minnesota Historical Society. Jeremy Linden of IPI in Rocehster NY is not an engineer but he can translate engineer language very well AND is a materials specialist. 

And I know Nico and can tell you you would definitely have a safe, sound, scary-smart but very understandable voice to guide you there. Calling him would be a grand idea. There is so much more he could have said that wouldn't fit in this email forum.

Best wishes. 

S

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Sarah Sutton
Consultant, LEED-AP, GGP
Concord MA
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