1. APTI CONFERENCE 2014| QUEBEC CITY
DAR LAY LIGHT RESTORATION:
BALANCING STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS & DESIGN INTENT

2. APTI CONFERENCE 2014| QUEBEC CITY
DAR LAY LIGHT RESTORATION:
BALANCING STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS & DESIGN INTENT
 Memorial
Continental Hall
 1776 D Street NW
Washington DC
 Built: 1904-1910
 Architect: Edward
Pearce Casey
 Architectural Style:
Beaux Arts
 National Historic
Landmark in 1972

3. What is a Lay Light?
 Architectural feature
 Interior glass panel, set
horizontally
 Flush with the ceiling to admit
light
 Protected by an exterior
skylight
Anatomy of a Lay Light
 Wood frame
 Metal cames
 Glass
 Applied Ornament
 Supplemental support
 Steel angle

4. GLASS
CAMES WOOD FRAME
STEEL ANGLE
ORNAMENT
SUPPORTS
ANATOMY OF A LAY LIGHT

5.  Evidence of water
damage
 Paint overspray
 Cracked glass
 Loose and missing
ornament
 Severe displacement
 Improper repairs
DETERIOATION & MATERIAL FAILURE

8.  DAR Priorities
 Preservation
 Longevity
 Ambiance
 Restoration Mock-up
Team approach to analyze options to meet client goals and
budget
IDENTIFYING PROJECT GOALS

9. RESTORATION MOCK-UP
Purpose
 Establish rigging procedures and logistics
 Confirm material reuse and replacement
 Owner approval

10. MOCK-UP RESULTS

11. REUSE & REPLACEMENT GLASS

12. CUSTOM LEAD CAMES

13. ORNAMENTAL METAL

14. WOOD FRAMES

15. STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

16. STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

22. APTI CONFERENCE 2014| QUEBEC CITY
DAR LAY LIGHT RESTORATION:
BALANCING STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS & DESIGN INTENT
 104 years old
 Total 27 panels
 4 different patterns
 Approx. 8’ x 9’
 Weighing 400 pounds
 Suspended 46’ from the
library floor
 3,800 pounds of new
lead
 Over 7,500 pieces of
glass
 5,130 pieces of original
applied ornament
PROJECT SUMMARY

23. APTI CONFERENCE 2014| QUEBEC CITY
DAR LAY LIGHT RESTORATION:
BALANCING STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS & DESIGN INTENT
 Analysis of Treatment Approach
 Analysis of Original Design &
Opportunities for Improvement
 Structural Improvement without
compromising aesthetics
 Benefits of client involvement during
work off-site
 Validate expectations through mock-up
LESSONS LEARNED

24. APTI CONFERENCE 2014| QUEBEC CITY
DAR LAY LIGHT RESTORATION:
BALANCING STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS & DESIGN INTENT
For Additional Information Please
Contact:
Jennifer Wallace
jennifer.wallace@christmanco.com
Greta Wilhelm
greta.wilhelm@christmanco.com