07: Stone Masonry | Belvedere Castle

In this episode, Cherise is joined by Christine Williamson, founder of the Instagram account @BuildingScienceFightClub, an educational project that teaches architects about building science and construction. She has spent her career in building science forensics, discovering why buildings fail, and working with owners, architects, and builders to remedy the problems. Christine shares her insight into the restoration of Belvedere Castle in Central Park, highlighting her task to answer the question: Could water sufficiently be kept out of the building? Belvedere Castle is a folly, or ornamental building, in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City. Constructed out of Manhattan schist, the building was designed as a focal point in the landscape, only intended to be a place from which to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. It has since been converted to house exhibit rooms, an observation deck, and previously Central Park’s official weather station.

This restoration project presented unique challenges and opportunities - finding a balance between introducing advanced water management systems and historic preservation, managing moisture in a 150 year stone masonry building, and a unique situation where improved air quality during the Covid-19 lockdowns led to algae growth on damp surfaces.

Topics Discussed:
Schist Stone
Granite
Mortar
Spray Foam