SOM will restore Lever House, the iconic modernist skyscraper in New York

Completed in 1952, by Natalie de Blois and Gordon Bunshaft of SOM, the 22-storey Lever House is considered one of the first modernist landmarks in New York. In fact, it made popular glass curtain façades and the International Style architecture movement in the US, with its simple cubic form and the use of glass and steel, whiteout ornaments. Many of the building’s original elements, the materials on the ground floor, as well as newer additions are now ageing and in need of an update, while inside the 21 storeys of offices still rely on its original 20th-century mechanical systems. SOM’s aim for the restoration is to preserve the tower’s original appearance, enhancing at the same time its energetic performance to reach contemporary standards and obtain LEED Gold certification through its improvements to the building’s environmental performance.

The updates to the ground-floor plaza, which are now underway, include the replacement of not original paving with durable concrete cast in-situ to resemble the 1952 design. The plaza’s water-damaged plaster ceiling will be substituted for a more durable version and the surrounding stainless steel columns, black limestone and white marble walls will be restored with the help of material science. The glass and steel façade on the ground-level storefront will also be rehabilitated, while existing planters are soon to be updated with new birch trees.

Another significant element of Lever House is the 15,000-square-foot terrace on the third floor, that will be revamped with new shrubs, flowers and trees, while the non-original red paving will be swapped out. Also mosaic tile wall inside the tower’s lobby will be repaired, while the lighting system will be upgraded to be more energy-efficient and brighter. To the offices will also be given more space and higher ceilings, as well as an improved ventilation system.