BRANFORD COLLEGE STONE AND DOORS RESTORATION

Summer rejuvenation

Academic

All

Historic Preservation

Branford College is distinguished by its rich palette of granite, sandstone, and brick, with carved sandstone archways connecting three courtyards to the central Branford Court. After more than 90 years of exposure to weather and deicing salts, the stonework had suffered extensive deterioration. Moisture infiltration carried salts deep into the sandstone, causing severe degradation that led to spalling, delamination, efflorescence, and, in many areas, stone that crumbled on contact.

Working in collaboration with consulting architect Jonathan Leavitt, CWA was tasked with replacing the deteriorated stone while preserving the historic integrity of Rogers’ original design. Through detailed hand profiling, precision measurement, three-dimensional scanning, and digital modeling, replacement stones were carefully replicated and installed. A granite base and integrated water barrier were incorporated to prevent future moisture intrusion and salt damage.

Additional restoration included partial reconstruction and repointing of the moat walls surrounding the college, along with the introduction of expansion joints to address wall movement and deformation. At Linonia Court, where frost heave had caused significant damage, limestone pavers were largely replaced, cobblestones were reset, and a new drainage system was installed. A specialized cobblestone setting bed was designed at the base of the courtyard tree to protect the root system while improving site durability.

Many of the college’s original plank doors—crafted from chestnut, mahogany, and white oak—had deteriorated over time. CWA restored half of the doors and trim to their original condition and reconstructed the remainder using repurposed antique white oak from the same period. Original hardware was carefully salvaged, catalogued, cleaned to historic restoration standards, and reinstalled under CWA’s supervision.

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