Lampoon Castle – Ludowici Historical Architecture
Sometimes referred to as the “Lampoon Castle,” the Harvard Lampoon building was built in 1909 by Edmund M. Wheelwright, who took inspiration from the local architecture of Jamestown, Virginia. From the front, it bears an obvious resemblance to a human head wearing a Prussian helmet. As a result, it has drawn much criticism over the years. The comical nature of the building is fitting, for it serves as the headquarters for the Harvard Lampoon.
The Harvard Lampoon Building in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was built in 1909 by Edmund M. Wheelwright as the headquarters for the school’s satirical newspaper, a small retail shop, and a few meeting spaces for students, faculty, and staff. Wheelwright specified Ludowici on the 1909 building. In the mid-1950s, Robert Neer Sr was the treasurer for the financially strapped Lampoon at the time, and the roof was replaced with gray slate, and the dome was finished in copper.
Today’s View
Fast forward to 2021, near the end of a 15-year, painstaking restoration, Robert Neer Jr., also a Harvard alum, and his father helped to fund the roof’s refurbishment and return the building’s roof to Wheelwright’s original specification. The team from Albert-Righter-Tittman (ART Architects) reached out to Ludowici to research historical images and determine the profile together. ART and Ludowici met weekly for several months to decide upon the tile profile, develop the 3D assembly models, consult on technical specifications, color sampling, and final color selection. Once finalized, Ludowici worked with Cenaxo and ART to develop a three-phase approach to manufacturing, shipping, and supplying the installation team with the material needed to complete the project. The project was completed, and a gala event was held in May 2023.
The Ludovisi family began crafting clay roof tiles in Rome 400 years ago. In the late 1800s, descendant Carl Ludowici brought this tradition to Chicago, establishing his own factory. Growing popularity led to expansion and eventual consolidation in New Lexington, Ohio. Today, Ludowici tiles, still made in Ohio, are globally acclaimed for their distinctive look and durability. With 130+ years of experience, Ludowici offers diverse colors and textures, inspiring architects, designers, and homeowners. These tiles uniquely blend historical beauty with modern technology.
Project Details
- Project Name: Harvard Lampoon Building
- Project Location: Cambridge, MA
- Architect: Edmund M. Wheelwright (original) / ART Architects (renovation)
- Installer: Cenaxo
- Product:
- Spanish 13”
- Spanish 13” Graduated Tile
- Spanish End Bands
- Spanish Eave Closures
- Spanish Left and Right Detached Rakes
- Flat Shingle 6” x 12” x 1/2”
- C24 Cresting
- Color(s):
- Historic Red: 129-01 SM
- Historic Red/Ebony: 129-01 SM/M13 – Restricted Range: Light to -Medium Mist tile, together with necessary data on tile roofing construction.
