Concrete buildings are prone to a cycle of deterioration: poor detailing leads to cracks as the concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes, water infiltration, and improper sealing expose rebar to corrosive elements like water and the chloride ions in saltwater, and rebar expands as it corrodes, causing more cracks and exacerbating the problem.

More than a face-lift, the new façade incorporates contemporary insulation, waterproofing, and careful detailing that prevent the cycle of deterioration before it begins and reduce operating energy costs. At the same time, we select finishes and elements like windows, shutters, and balcony balustrades and floors that are durable, aesthetically distinguished, and cohesive with the surroundings—bringing new life to crumbling buildings.

At Orfeo, for example, improperly waterproofed balconies and more than half a century of wear and tear had deteriorated the façade, letting in water that rotted the building's structure from the inside out. We repaired the damaged structural concrete and designed a pearlescent new façade with properly sealed balconies. The project saves a building thought to be beyond repair, making it contemporary, durable, and new again.