University of Virginia Special Collections Library

New Construction Waterproofing Consultation

After considering seven different sites for the new Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, the University of Virginia elected to build a subterranean structure beneath the main Alderman Library plaza.

Skylights and areaways designed to provide natural light for reading areas illuminate the first below-grade floor. The lower level, which houses the collection of rare books, manuscripts, prints, recordings, and broadsides on 12.82 miles of shelving, lies within the water table. To protect the irreplaceable holdings, a double shell, or “building within a building,” construction employs a pump system to drain the space between the walls.

Hartman-Cox Architects retained Hoffmann Architects + Engineers as their expert waterproofing consultant on the project. Hoffmann created waterproofing solutions for architectural, landscape, hardscape, and engineering details, in addition to providing construction administration services.