730 Saint Ferdinand St.

Staff Recommendations: 

While completing an applicant-requested progress inspection of a window mock-up at this site, the HDLC Inspector observed that all front gallery trim and wrap elements were installed as flat Hardie trim, including some perforated Hardie soffit panels, in deviation of the approved drawings and Certificate of Appropriateness.

The HDLC Guidelines note that some alternative/composite materials may be acceptable for exterior trim at new additions and new construction projects to mitigate wood rot and termite damage. However, it must be a solid material that accurately replicates the dimensions, proportions, texture, and sheen of its wood equivalent. The installation of Hardie trim can be problematic at larger and more prominent areas of a building, particularly at the front/primary elevation where this double gallery is located directly adjacent to the street. 

Hardie trim is produced in nominal sizes that vary from equivalent wood elements. For example, the thickest Hardie trim board available is indicated as 5/4" thick (approximately 1.25" -- similar to standard exterior-grade lumber), however, the dimension is actually closer to 1" in thickness. This size variation can negatively impact the depth/reveal relationships between the trim and siding and other elements, and the overall installation can appear too flat due to the smooth fiber cement not adequately replicating the texture, detailing, profiles, and shadow lines of wood elements. Additionally, Hardie trim can be difficult to rip or cut without special proprietary blades, and modifying Hardie often results in edge conditions that are burned or blown out, and which no longer have the factory finished exterior layer.

Because of these product constraints, Hardie trim is typically only staff approvable at smaller and more limited areas where the dimensional qualities match wood, where cut edges are not visible, and where they are installed and painted to appear like typical wood elements. This is why the approved drawings and CofA noted the approvable locations for composite trim, with larger areas of fascia and beam/column wraps specifically noted as not approved.  These installation restrictions have also been applied to other newer and more recently reviewed composite trim products, such as Acre and Miratec. 

Based on these factors, the high visibility of the Hardie trim elements on the front gallery, and because this new construction was intended to replicate a more historic building type/style that would have used wood elements at these locations, Staff recommends denial of the request for retention of perforated Hardie trim,  and recommends denial of the Hardie fascia, beam, and column wrap, with a proviso that some smaller areas of trim, such as at column caps and bases, can remain as installed.