North Carolina’s 45,000-SF Capitol is the state’s most iconic structure. In March 2023, the Muter Design-Build Team was selected to renovate the historic building, which included replacing the iconic copper roof, updating the HVAC system, and repairing the exterior.

The roof marks the third replacement in the Capitol’s history. The original copper dome covering was installed using a European folding method. In 1970, the replacement roof included a tapered standing seam and was constructed in a more modern style, requiring soldering. The wooden substructure caught fire during a repair in 2001 due to the soldering. Over the years, the roofing system failed, compromising the underlying support, and leaks threatened the integrity of the historic interior. For the 2023 renovation, our team deployed the original European method because of its durability, ability to manage thermal expansion, and aesthetic appeal, and because construction required no soldering, which avoided potential fire. The iconic dome was returned to the Capitol.

One of the most noticeable improvements to the Capitol is the relocation of the air handling units from the roof to the attic. Installing new fan coil units in the ground-level offices required in-depth coordination to replace outdated equipment, with crews crawling through tunnels that at times measured 2’ or less to install copper lines and electrical wiring. The end product delivered a high-efficiency HVAC system to keep tenants comfortable, improved equipment accessibility for maintenance, and maintained the historic appearance of the rooms.