Seattle Asian Art Museum Rehabilitation

Seattle, WA
Case Study Banners 06
Project Keywords: Building Enclosure Assessment, Building Enclosure Consulting, Building Science, Cultural, Design Review, Enclosure, Energy Efficiency, Field Review, Heritage/Historic, High Performance, Historic Renovation, Hygrothermal Analysis, Hygrothermal Modeling, Moisture Management, Rehabilitation, Renovation, Seattle, Thermal Modeling
  • Size 64,250-sf
  • Completion 2019
  • Services Provided Building Enclosure Consulting (Facade Assessment and Repairs, Field Review)
  • Market Sector Cultural
  • Architect LMN Architects (RDH Client)
  • Photography Tim Griffith
The historic concrete structure, originally constructed in 1933, underwent a major rehabilitation and upgrade completed in 2019. The project formed part of a broader renewal that expanded gallery space, improved accessibility, and upgraded environmental controls. RDH was engaged to provide facade assessment, building enclosure forensics, and design consulting throughout the project.

Our work focused on evaluating the condition of the existing concrete enclosure and identifying strategies to improve performance while preserving the building’s heritage character. RDH developed a monitoring program using embedded sensors to measure temperature, humidity, moisture, and pressure within key assembly locations. Thermal and hygrothermal modeling informed the recommended insulation approach to mitigate freeze-thaw risks and improve interior environmental stability. The analysis helped balance energy performance improvements with the preservation requirements of the historic concrete structure.

RDH also reviewed new wall systems for compatibility with the original concrete construction, helping the team integrate modern assemblies in a way that respected the building’s historic integrity. During construction, we provided  review services and conducted targeted testing, including water penetration testing at new window installations.

SAAM 8029
SAAM 1019 FINAL
SAAM 1523
SAAM 1315_FINAL
SAAM 0407

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