Amherst College Collection Storage
Project Context
The Folger Shakespeare Library's Deck C Vaults house some of the world's most valuable rare books and manuscripts, including First Folios and irreplaceable Renaissance documents. Landmark Logix was entrusted with upgrading the climate control systems to museum-grade standards while maintaining uninterrupted protection of the collections.
This highly specialized project required surgical precision in execution. We designed and implemented advanced environmental controls capable of maintaining temperature within ±1°F and humidity within ±2% RH—critical thresholds for preserving 400-year-old paper and bindings. The work was performed in phases to ensure continuous climate protection throughout the 14-month upgrade process.
The project included installing redundant HVAC systems with automatic failover, precision humidification and dehumidification equipment, advanced air filtration to remove particulates and pollutants, integrated monitoring with 24/7 alerts, and seismic-resistant mounting systems. The result is a world-class preservation environment that will protect these cultural treasures for generations to come.
Project Details
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Client
- Folger Shakespeare Library
- Architect
- Quinn Evans Architects
- Construction Manager
- Monarc
- Duration
- 2 Years
- Project Value
- $4.5M
- Project Type
- —
- Sector
- Cultural & Arts
- Categories
- Cultural Institution, Specialized Systems, Collections Preservation
Delivery Challenge
Creating specialized climate-controlled vault storage for the world's largest collection of Shakespeare First Folios demanded an unprecedented level of precision and care. The Deck C Vaults project required engineering environments capable of protecting 82 irreplaceable First Folios and thousands of rare manuscripts while maintaining uninterrupted access for scholars and conservators throughout the 14-month construction period.
- Designing vault environments for irreplaceable First Folio collection
- Implementing precise climate and humidity control systems
- Meeting museum-grade security requirements
- Maintaining collection access during vault construction
Owner-Side Advisory Role
Landmark Logix provided project oversight for this highly specialized collection storage project, coordinating conservators, security specialists, and climate control engineers.
Project Highlights
Project Gallery
Project Timeline
Phase 1: Assessment & Planning
Comprehensive environmental audit, collection vulnerability analysis, and redundant system design
Phase 2: Temporary Protection
Installation of temporary climate control, phased collection relocation, and continuous monitoring
Phase 3: System Installation
Installation of precision HVAC, humidity control, air filtration, and redundant backup systems
Phase 4: Testing & Commissioning
30-day stability testing, staff training, documentation, and full operational handover
Key Achievements
Zero Collection Incidents
100% uptime of climate protection throughout the 14-month project with no damage to any collection items
Museum-Grade Precision
Temperature control within ±1°F and humidity within ±2% RH exceeding industry standards
38% Energy Reduction
Advanced systems with variable speed drives and heat recovery reduced energy consumption significantly
Redundant Systems
Dual HVAC systems with automatic failover ensure continuous protection even during maintenance
Ahead of Schedule
Project completed 3 weeks early despite the complexity and precision requirements
24/7 Monitoring
Integrated monitoring system with real-time alerts and automated notifications to preservation staff
Scope of Services
Landmark Logix Role
- Environmental assessment and vulnerability analysis
- Design of redundant precision climate control systems
- Phased construction management maintaining 100% protection
- Installation oversight of HVAC, humidity, and filtration systems
- Integration of monitoring and alert systems
- 30-day commissioning and stability testing
- Staff training and documentation delivery
Technical Highlights
- Museum-grade precision: ±1°F temperature, ±2% RH humidity
- Dual redundant HVAC systems with automatic failover
- HEPA filtration removing 99.97% of particulates
- Activated carbon filtration for gaseous pollutants
- Seismic-resistant equipment mounting systems
- Real-time monitoring with 24/7 alert notifications
- Variable speed drives for energy efficiency
Advisory Services Applied
Explore the owner-side advisory capabilities relevant to this engagement.
Construction Management & Quality Control
Independent field oversight, quality assurance, and contractor accountability — ensuring what gets built matches what was designed and contracted.
Technology Integration & Project Transition
Systems commissioning, technology verification, and operational transition — ensuring the building works before the owner accepts it.
Contract Administration & Risk Management
Owner-side contract oversight, change order management, risk visibility, and dispute prevention that keep projects on terms and on track.
Considering owner-side advisory for a specialized collection facility?
Landmark Logix provides experienced project leadership for complex collection storage, preservation, and cultural institution projects.