Updates

AENA was selected to provide all architectural design and expediting services for the renovation of this beautiful Brownstone in an elegant Upper West side historic district. The Landmarked building was converted from an apartment building into a two family residence allowing the owner to expand within the building while maintaining a separate rental apartment as part of the renovation.

The scope of the work consisted of a complete interior renovation along with minor exterior modifications in order to combine separate apartments into a main residence complemented by an in-law apartment. The client wanted to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the unique home while maintaining the scale and feel of the original brownstone. By adding a new intercommunicating spiral stair between existing apartments, AENA was able to allow the combination of the multistory residence while adhering to all building code requirements. The second floor layout was vastly altered to create new bedrooms and support spaces while maximizing storage and introducing natural light into the living areas.

Since the property is located within a Landmarked Historic District, AENA had to seek approval from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to rehabilitate the building. Although the interior was not subject to Landmarks review, the exterior was restricted and required full approval prior to the commencement of any work.

AENA worked closely with the client to produce a cost effective renovation that would embody the desired aesthetics for the interior spaces but was still in keeping with the restrictions placed by the LPC for any landmarked building. By providing structural consulting for the new floor openings required by the design, and acting on behalf of our client for all necessary approvals to complete the project, AENA was able to assure a single point of accountability for the design of the project.

As part of the renovation effort, most of the mechanical systems were upgraded and or replaced within this historic property to meet current standards. All aspects of the building have been brought into compliance with the Building Code of the City of New York as part of the completed project including important life safety alterations.

AENA provided design and construction services for the rehabilitation and re-development of a LEED certified condominium building in the historic Mount Morris Park section of Harlem. Located on the south side of West 120th Street between Fifth Avenue and Lenox, the building is directly across from elegant Marcus Garvey Park that is the focus of a long neglected but beautiful stretch of brownstones within this designated landmark district in central Harlem.

The project scope consisted of the complete demolition of the existing building structure and interiors leaving only the exterior perimeter walls. Since the building was Landmarked, the façade was retained and restored, but the rear of the building was added onto to provide additional living area for the planned studio and one bedroom apartments. The rear addition was completed in a manner to allow several of the units to connect to outdoor space. In order for the new interiors to work with the historic existing façade, a new duplex apartment with separate street entrance was created through the front of the building. Despite the limitation of a relatively narrow urban lot, we were able to create an open plan feel that allowed the interior spaces to flow into one another and also connect to the exterior.

In order to carry out the planned design, reconstruction of all floor and roof framing was necessary as well as the introduction of a new stair enclosure throughout the building. New electrical and security systems were installed that allowed the latest technology for building occupants. Highly efficient, self contained heating and air conditioning units were installed in each apartment. These units also provided hot water and humidity control and allowed control by individual condominium allowing greater comfort.

Since the property is located within a Landmarked Historic District, the design of the rehabilitated structure presented special challenges. The handsome brownstone façade, with its stamped metal cornice, was completely restored to the building’s original splendor. New windows were installed on each of the facades to meet historic standards. The rear of the building was also subject to NYC Landmarks Commission approval. Since an addition was planned, extensive review was required for final approval by the Commission. Our design was not historicist but sought to introduce new materials and forms that were sympathetic to the existing context while introducing an abundance of natural light to the building interiors and providing a strong connection to the exterior.

As part of our continued commitment to energy and environmentally conscious design and construction, the new interior layout for the apartments was carefully planned to maximize the amount of natural light and ventilation entering all habitable spaces to reduce energy consumption. Each unit would use only extremely high efficiency mechanical equipment that allowed individual control for greater overall building efficiency. Rainwater is used for rear yard irrigation to minimize water use. These ideas as well as many other sustainable concepts enabled AENA to achieve LEED certification for the project.

In addition to design and construction services, AENA provided all expediting for the project to seek final approval from all relevant Authorities having Jurisdiction including the U.S. Green Building Council, Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection, the New York City Department of Buildings, and the State Attorney General’s Office.
 

AENA was selected to provide architectural design, expediting, and construction services for the completion of a full service physical therapy and sports medicine center located in Midtown Manhattan. The 3,300 square foot renovation provided our client with a versatile facility that treats various physical injuries and conditions like pain and stress.

AENA was able to deliver the completed facility in four months including all design, permitting, and construction. The complexities of this type of project required our integrated project delivery approach. Careful project management and scheduling was needed to facilitate the approval process and fast track the project for the earliest possible occupancy. AENA provided all design, construction, and expediting services to give our client a single point of accountability for completion milestones and workmanship. Projects with complex design requirements and early completion dates showcase the strengths of our integrated project delivery approach since efficiencies are added to all steps of the process.

AENA’s in-house architectural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical design capabilities allowed for cost effective design and sourcing of all the specialty components needed for construction. The installation of medical equipment, specialized lighting, and complex control systems were required for the quick completion of the facility. Since the cooling and ventilation loads required by healthcare spaces have substantial HVAC requirements, AENA had to find alternative methods to provide additional cooling capacity within the existing building systems to serve the new uses. Our hands-on design team found unique solutions to serve the HVAC loads for all program spaces within the facility as well as upgrade the existing plumbing systems for additional capacity and code compliance for medical use. Any upgrades performed were in keeping with AENA’s goal to provide energy efficient solutions that emphasize sustainability in all our projects.

As part of the design and construction of the project, AENA was asked by our client to provide design solutions that optimize the use of space for integral core areas of the office to provide an efficient working environment. By understanding how the space will be used, AENA created an open but flexible floor plan that can be separated into private areas for examination and the practice of physical therapy. By studying how our client works day to day, we provided efficient planning solutions to maximize the use of space in the rehabilitation areas of the office to fit complicated therapy equipment and a code compliant X-ray room with film developing capability. We also designed and fabricated specialty millwork throughout the facility, providing unique solutions for storage and equipment resulting in an inviting and truly functional facility.
 

AENA was asked to provide design services to the New York City Fire Department for an important project to complete a memorial in honor of the tenth anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11.

The memorial was unveiled in a private ceremony held by FDNY near their Brooklyn headquarters. The memorial displayed a deformed section of steel that was part of the fallen World Trade Center buildings. The spirit of this remembrance was summarized in the commemorative plaque unveiled during the ceremony that read:

“This recovered WTC steel signifies the bravery, strength and heroism of the 343 FDNY members who made the Supreme Sacrifice at Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center on 9/11/01. Dedicated in observance of the tenth anniversary September 11, 2011”

Working with members of the Fire Department, AENA conceptualized the design for approval by the City and FDNY leadership. We then prepared all documents needed for construction of the memorial in the shortest possible timeframe. The goal was to have the memorial ready for an important private ceremony to be held just before the anniversary of the historic events. We worked with the client’s contractors to streamline the construction process and realize a high level of craftsmanship in the construction of the completed design.

The memorial is sited at the corner of Bridge Street and Johnson Street in Downtown Brooklyn on a highly trafficked pedestrian and vehicular corridor. The primary purpose of the memorial was to display the deformed steel section and commemorative plaque in a limited area of grounds near the FDNY headquarters.

The memorial is rotated to provide visual access to visitors approaching the site whether by pedestrian or vehicular means. A portion of the granite facing of the memorial traces the profile of the steel beam creating an opening through the use of a cantilever that allows visual access for the beam to pedestrians approaching the memorial from all sides.

Other design considerations included incorporating a tree previously planted on the grounds in memoriam of FDNY members lost on 9/11. Lighting was also carefully integrated with the memorial for night-time viewing.

As a part of our design services, AENA has always carefully considered the context of our project sites. This memorial both suits the context within which it is located and also provides a strong visual reminder to those entering FDNY Headquarters of the sacrifices made on 9/11.

The Maxwell Residence is part of the Lookout Ridge development for which AENA provided comprehensive planning, architecture, sustainability consulting, and landscape design. This innovative single family housing project connects the built environment to the rolling natural context in the Town of Sandwich on Cape Cod. The undisturbed site is located next to a nature preserve that allows direct access from each of the homes within the development. The homes are clustered to maximize open space and reduce the built footprint. As part of the project AENA provided design, expediting, development, and construction services for this innovative residence.

This single family home was designed to be integrated with the surrounding landscape. We carefully studied the topography and natural conditions of the site to understand how the house could be fitted within the natural configuration of the land. The development sits on a glacial moraine and has large boulder deposits. In siting the house, we considered existing boulder locations and rock outcroppings as well as trees or swales that were worth preserving. We ‘tucked’ the house into the existing topography to preserve the natural landscape to the greatest extent possible.

Designed to take advantage of the latest sustainable technologies, this 3,000 square foot residence is 90% energy efficient. Innovative materials and systems were used in the design and shaped the layout, orientation, and configuration of the house. The three bedroom, two car garage house is efficient in layout and we emphasized a connection with the natural landscape within the interiors by utilizing natural materials and large expanses of glass. Rooms are oriented towards natural views, clustering bathrooms and other service functions to the interior of the structure or where views were not accessible. Natural lighting and indirect sources of artificial light emphasized the connection with the exterior.

Landscaping utilized bioregional or naturally occurring plant species that presented minimal disturbance of existing plant formations and sustainably utilize natural cycles of rain to make them resilient against local conditions without additional use of resources.

The selection of finish materials for the project sought both to emulate the natural context of the site and also to recognize the building traditions of the Cape. The use of materials such as cedar shingles and natural stone is typical in the vernacular architecture of the region. Our design explored solutions to reinterpret these materials in their natural context.

This residence was designed and constructed under our cost-plus delivery method where the client pays direct labor and material costs to have the home built as economically as possible.
 

AENA was selected to design and oversee the creation of a unique retail venue housed within an office park located just outside of Los Angeles for Ricoh Corporation of America. The space features a technology showroom to demonstrate products and new equipment along with an interactive multi-media learning space. Following the prototype established for Technology Portals throughout the United States, the facility acts as a venue to display cutting-edge office equipment and provide a multipurpose training and conference facility.

Designed as a fully networked business environment, the Technology Portal depicts typical customer workflow with various Ricoh technology solutions designed to address everyday requirements through distinct sections of the showroom floor.

Among the showroom’s customer-friendly features is a state-of-the art conference room with integrated technology and teleconferencing capabilities that can connect engineers to Ricoh’s customers and develop on-site solutions as well as lecture and event facilities. The space is designed to be flexible and accommodate large seminars and events or small group marketing tours utilizing multi-media. The varied nature of the events makes this a true multi-purpose facility that presented special design considerations and construction challenges. The showroom is also a vehicle for Ricoh to display their commitment to sustainability and green technologies. The design solution features seamless integration of new office technology with Ricoh’s sustainability goals.

As visitors and customers arrive they are greeted by a Living Wall that features a full height planted element providing a focal point within the space. This component of the design is meant to improve the quality of the indoor air, provide a sound barrier from outside noise and reduce heating and cooling loads. The Living Wall also acts as an educational tool indicating the type of vegetation the company uses to develop their environmentally friendly inks and emphasize Ricoh’s commitment to sustainability and create an impression on Portal visitors.

AENA provided all design and estimating services along with application of all necessary city and governmental agency approvals as well as any permits required to take the project through construction to completion. We worked closely with the client and their contractors to keep project costs within budget and meet schedule goals. This facility follows the prototype Technology Portal AENA created in New York City that emphasized how technology can be integrated with sustainable design solutions for implementation in locations all across the country.

Along with complete architectural design services AENA also provides special inspection agency reviews that are required as part of the 2008 overhaul of the New York City Building Code. As of July 1, 2011 only companies registered and certified as Special Inspection Agencies will be able to inspect construction work in New York City. AENA is one of only a handful of firms that have received Special Inspection certification to date. Previously any registered design professional could perform inspections and sign-offs by completing a technical report recognized by the Department of Buildings.

As a certified Special Inspections Agency, AENA provides consulting services to seek approvals from the Department of Buildings in addition to all relevant City agencies having jurisdiction over construction projects including the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection, FDNY, and the NYC Department of Transportation.

Approvals and inspections have become more complicated as the City of New York implements new procedures in all areas of new construction and renovation. AENA provides special inspection services for initial approvals, inspections during construction, and sign-offs for any project that we have designed. We also complete third party reviews for our clients on projects where we did not provide initial design services as is sometimes required by the Building Code. Recently we inspected the new Luna Park Amusement facility in Coney Island for energy compliance as part of a third party review.

AENA offers Special Inspections as part of its broad base of services provided to our clients. We have developed detailed procedures and processes to expeditiously and efficiently inspect, document, and prepare the required reports and forms needed by the Department of Buildings for conformance with the requirements of the 2008 Building Code. AENA is certified as a Special Inspection Agency for a broad array of inspections including:

• Energy Code Compliance – BC 109.3.5
• Masonry Construction – BC 1704.5
• Wood Construction – BC 1704.6, 1704.6.1, 1704.6.3, 1704.6.4
• Curtain Walls – BC 1704.10
• Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) – BC 1704.12
• Chimneys – BC 1704.24
• Photo luminescent Exit Path Markings – BC 1026.11
• Firestop, Draftstop, and Fireblock Systems – BC 1704.25
• Mechanical Systems – BC 1704.15
• Heating Systems – BC 1704.23
• Structural Cold-Formed Steel – BC 1704.3.4
• Fuel-oil Storage and Piping Systems – BC 1704.16
• Site Storm Drainage Disposal and Detention Facilities –BC 1704.20

AENA is much more than a Special Inspection Agency since our extensive experience in the design, construction, and expediting make us a valuable asset to any project team.

The Bronx Lebanon Hospital needed to renovate one of their satellite long term care facilities with funding received from the State of New York. Since AENA had just completed several projects in their main hospital, we were asked to design a complete restoration and rehabilitation for the unique Landmarked building located on Kelly Street. This facility provides services for substance abuse treatment and special group programs for older adults. For over thirty years the building has offered long term care in a residential environment. This project presented two distinct design problems for the Hospital; the overall cost had to meet a strict construction budget to receive funding while meeting New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission approval.

The building required a complete exterior restoration that met strict Landmarks requirements along with comprehensive interior updates such as new finishes, lighting, electrical, and security systems. AENA provided all Architectural and Engineering Design Services for the rehabilitation of the building’s façade and interiors. Since the project was subject to State funding the overall cost needed to meet tight budget projections to receive an appropriation to proceed into construction. This meant AENA needed to prepare documents that would result in bids within a narrow range. Our ability to understand the special constraints of historic preservation for smaller scale projects, and the required level of interior upgrades, allowed us to design the project to meet the budget projections necessary for the project to move forward.

The rehabilitation of the existing facade presented special challenges due to the historic status of the district. AENA’s experience with Landmarks allowed us to understand what would be needed for the approval of a cost effective exterior restoration. We met with Landmarks staff, researched the history of the building and district, and came up with a workable solution to restore the façade to historical standards and receive a timely approval to update the exterior. As part of the project, a new recreation area was created through the demolition of an existing garage at the rear of the building that allowed for an outdoor seating area and other landscape amenities. We utilized our Landscape Design Services to plan these upgrades and integrate a new iron fence and security features for installation in the front yard to complement an upgraded entry that also needed Landmarks approval.

In addition to complete design services, AENA also expedited the project through approvals from all relevant city agencies including the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the New York City Department of Buildings. All services were provided under budget, and the completed design was successfully bid by contractors without any significant change orders so that the completed project met State funding.
 

AENA was selected by a leading food marketing firm to design, expedite, and construct a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and multi-purpose tasting area to conduct market research and provide a unique event space in mid-town Manhattan. AENA’s ability to provide fully Integrated Project Delivery services to our client meant that we had to both fit the complicated design program and resolve many technical challenges to integrate the facility on budget within an existing commercial office building. The finished kitchen needed to be a production ready space for film and photography while also serving as a full service commercial food prep facility.

Among the many technical challenges in the project, AENA designed and installed an exhaust and makeup-air system that was routed to the nearest roof area through many floors of office space. Since the client required gas equipment in the kitchen and the building was not served by gas, AENA quickly designed and obtained approval for a new service to meet the project schedule by utilizing the advantages of our Integrated Project Delivery. Our expert trade personnel worked together with the design team, and the client’s consultants, to coordinate all approvals and find on-site solutions to many design and construction challenges, thereby reducing the project schedule and allowing the facility to be in operation sooner. Both goals reduced expenses for the client and were only possible through the advantages of our Integrated Project Delivery method.

While the design was still being finalized, our construction team began selective demolition of the project area to expedite the construction schedule and project completion. AENA was able to design, fabricate and install custom made cabinets, millwork, and specialty elements for operation of the kitchen and support spaces.

We also designed and installed infrastructure for video production to take place in the completed project including telecommunications, data, audio visual, and controls wiring. However, the most complicated aspect of the project was the complete integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services for the kitchen and multipurpose spaces. Often the greatest challenge in quick project delivery is to obtain all the necessary approvals for each aspect of the project. For this facility we obtained NYC Department of Buildings approval for a new certificate of occupancy, sign-offs from the Fire Department of New York City as well as the New York City Department of Health for full operation of the facility. By rapidly procuring all necessary project approvals and our capability to begin construction during design development, AENA was able to avoid significant schedule overruns that would increase the project budget and delay occupancy of the space.

Our Integrated Project Delivery method provides many advantages for clients who are on a compressed schedule and need to deliver their project in the shortest possible timeframe without increasing cost. AENA is uniquely suited to provide integrated project delivery services that incorporate our client’s design and schedule goals while still meeting their budgets.
 

AENA is a full service architecture, planning and integrated project delivery firm that specializes in sustainable design. Sustainable projects present special challenges in project delivery, both before and after project completion. We pride ourselves at AENA in staying in touch with our clients after we have delivered projects to ensure the successful use of our buildings and to better understand how our clients utilize completed projects. Sustainable projects bring unique challenges after commissioning. Because of the complexity of these projects a variety of specialists are needed to insure the systems have been installed and are running correctly. Because of our integrated approach, AENA has the knowledge to design, expedite and complete the installation of the most complex sustainable projects. This specialized knowledge also allows AENA to service and maintain occupied projects.

AENA recently completed a project for Ricoh USA Corporation in their Midtown Manhattan Technology Portal. This project required AENA to design, expedite, and install Solar Panels and a Living Green Wall utilizing our Integrated Design Services. Ricoh’s commitment to global sustainability allowed them to easily understand the special requirements of green technologies and led them to commission AENA to maintain the completed projects to insure their investment would continue to work at peak efficiency. AENA’s understanding of the original project design allowed us to provide cost effective maintenance solutions to the often complex issues surrounding our finished sustainable projects.

Since we provide sustainability and integrated project delivery services, we are in a unique position to carry out the kind of intelligent maintenance services needed for completed sustainable projects. Our system designers work closely with the trade people specializing in these new technologies to keep the systems running at peak efficiency.

Keeping systems running properly is only part of the services offered. Complete energy monitoring to understand whether the systems are running well helps us to inform our clients about the inherent efficiencies that are an important component but also provides needed information to invoice energy produced where applicable.

In some cases the sustainable components require third party or governmental oversight of energy savings or production of energy. In these cases we can provide integrated control and monitoring of systems for both output and reliability. We also provide expediting services for initial approval of planned installations or follow-up documentation to complete rebate or funding applications.
 

The installation of an interior Greenwall was part of the comprehensive sustainability solutions AENA proposed for the Technology Portal locations of Ricoh USA Corporation. To highlight the strong commitment to the environment that is part of Ricoh’s corporate philosophy, AENA proposed a design solution that integrated a linear planted element within the New York City Portal, a flagship showroom for Ricoh.

Ricoh’s corporate philosophy includes several fundamental sustainability goals of which pollution control is a strong component. The Greenwall solution was meant to draw attention to Ricoh’s development of Biomass Toner and Plastics into their line of products which help to reduce pollution and greenhouse gases during production and disposal. The linear green element has become a prominent feature in the NYC Portal and emphasizes Ricoh’s close association with the environment to potential customers or employees visiting the space for seminars, while improving the air quality of the showroom interior. The plants that make up the interior Greenwall act both as a filter to enhance air quality, thereby creating a positive effect on the Portal’s occupants, and to stabilize interior humidity. Humidification control has the added benefit of assisting in the perception of a moderate temperature in the space which in turn reduces the need for mechanical heating and cooling thereby achieving another sustainable objective as well as saving energy cost.

The very noticeable Greenwall treatment has increased Ricoh’s visibility on the street to both approaching visitors and passing pedestrians while providing better indoor air quality, reducing heating and cooling loads, and also providing an excellent sound barrier to reduce street noise from both outside and within the interior of the Portal. The Greenwall acts as an educational device for visitors by indicating the types of vegetation used to create biomass, chemical composition, and the benefits of using Biomass over petroleum products. This unusual planted element and the obvious connection to Ricoh’s sustainable initiatives are intended to create a lasting impression on Portal visitors.

The implementation of the interior wall required a design process that included working with a plant consultant as well as Ricoh staff to provide an element that both visually and functionally enhances the operation of the showroom. AENA was responsible for the design and fabrication of the wall including a structural armature and surface treatment to house the plants that integrates concealed plumbing and control connections. Nutrients are provided to the interior of the element through the plumbing connections which are controlled by software to provide the proper moisture and nutrient level to the plants. This design solution required a long term commitment by Ricoh to the maintenance and upkeep of the plantings. The success of the design was dependent upon the proper layout and specification of planting materials that are both low maintenance and visually appealing while still suitable for the interior spaces.

AENA provided all interior design, engineering, approvals, and construction services to Ricoh Corporation for completion of the project. AENA was able to meet an ambitious schedule to deliver the project while finding innovative and cost effective solutions that stayed within budget.
 

AENA was recently contacted by our longtime client Ricoh Corporation to develop sustainable design ideas for their Technology Portal in New York City. Intended to serve as a model for their locations across the country, we were asked to conceptualize and implement workable sustainable solutions based on Ricoh’s environmental management policy. Ricoh has a long standing commitment to the environment and asked AENA to develop ideas that would reflect their philosophy of Sustainable Environmental Management. Ricoh’s core sustainable concepts are Resource Conservation and Recycling, Energy Conservation, and Pollution Prevention. AENA generated an extensive list of sustainable upgrade possibilities for the Technology Portal based on these core concepts.

All of the concepts were enthusiastically received by Ricoh and feasibility studies were developed for the seven sustainable upgrades that were selected for pricing and construction. We then refined each of the final concepts independently for installation. AENA was able to provide full integrated project delivery services and develop budgets for each proposal including design options, energy savings analysis and their implementation schedules, as well as determine the impact on the operation of the space during construction.

Since the installations would be phased to allow continuous use of the busy Tech Portal, Phase I of the project included the installation of solar panels. AENA was able to design a complicated solar array for the Portal, win approval for all necessary permits from the City of New York, and install the completed system within several months. Meant to highlight Ricoh’s commitment to sustainable energy, the solar panels would selectively power certain elements within the Tech Portal from this renewable onsite generation source. Visitors to the showroom are informed through signage or other interactive media explaining how the equipment is sustainably provided with electricity.

The implementation of this concept was complicated and required coordination of a number of different groups to insure delivery in accordance with the schedule. Coordination and approval was sought and received from the Landlord, the New York City Department of Buildings, and Con Edison for connection to the City grid. Electricity will be fed directly into the utility grid rather than to a localized battery source or piece of equipment. By utilizing the grid, flexibility is assured for peak demands or floating levels of generation. Power for the Portal equipment or events would be drawn from the grid equal to power generated and monitored onsite previously.

Since the site is located in mid-town Manhattan, mounting and orientation of the solar array were important considerations. A structural support frame was designed and installed on the building roof to mount the PV panels. Monitoring of electrical generation and usage of the selected components are part of the project and will be provided to Ricoh as a further educational resource within the Portal.

The final cost of construction of the solar panels is $9 per kilowatt. This is 30% less than comparable solar panel installations in New York City and means Ricoh is provided with economic onsite power generation.

AENA provided architectural design, engineering and expediting services for the New York City Board of Education to renovate their administrative offices and citywide network operations control center. The project consisted of an interior office build-out of more than 10,000 square feet of gross building area located in the highly successful MetroTech Center in Brooklyn New York. The program included open office workstations for administrative staff, executive offices, seminar spaces for continuing education, technology and general support spaces and the network operations center where all schools and BOE facilities are networked.

The project was divided into several phases of construction to allow the BOE to continue to utilize the spaces while upgrades were being completed. The scope of work for first phase included fitting-out a Network Operation Center for the analysis of city-wide data on educational facilities. This space acts as a control center for the Board of Education activities across the City. AENA assisted the client in the layout of the room, specifying systems furniture, determining finishes throughout, and designing a lighting scheme that would work with the technology needed for the space to function as a true control room and operations center.

The scope of the work for several subsequent phases included reconfiguring existing open offices areas to optimize circulation and maximize workstation count to increase capacity, increase accessibility of the spaces, expand seminar spaces to increase number of occupants and allow multi-purpose use of the facilities, upgrade various support spaces including the server room while providing additional electrical and cooling capacity. Energy efficiency was a design priority in modifying existing mechanical and electrical systems. Increased ventilation and heat recovery systems increased comfort while reducing energy usage.

AENA assisted our client during the bidding and construction process with preparation of bid documents, review of bids, selection of a qualified contractors, coordination of base building related issues, and contract oversight during construction. In addition, expediting services were preformed to facilitate the approval and permitting processes with city agencies and to obtain final sign-offs upon project completion.
 

A long time client recently approached AENA with their headquarters relocation project. We were asked to program, design, obtain all necessary approvals, and construct their new Manhattan offices in just over a month. Since AENA had provided design and construction services for the client’s current location we understood how the client worked and the best way to quickly program and design the new spaces.

AENA used our integrated design-build approach to accelerate the schedule in order to meet the time constraints of the project. While developing the design we began demolition and rough-in work to prepare the space for further construction. As demolition proceeded we finalized all aspects of the design so that new spaces could be built and fabrication of specialty items could begin. In the short design and construction period we were able to re-use key elements of the existing space in keeping with our sustainable policies and to save our client time and money. Finish selection occurred during framing of walls and rough-in of mechanical systems to streamline the schedule.

During the course of the renovation AENA updated all mechanical equipment serving the space by adapting the existing building-wide systems for the new uses. This meant analyzing existing capacities and understanding the anticipated mechanical loads while including new functions such as plumbing that needed to be integrated with the building infrastructure. Security, high-speed data, and audio-visual design and installation were key parts of making the project a success. Our millwork capability allowed us to fabricate unique architectural elements and glazing systems to provide natural light from the windowed perimeter offices deep into the space thereby saving energy and improving the quality of the support spaces while still meeting the demanding schedule. Through efficient scheduling and construction cost control we are able to focus on the quality of the design in the completed project.

AENA’s understanding and appreciation of our clients’ project goals, special requirements and schedule needs allowed us to develop and implement the desired program to design and build a truly functional space in the shortest possible amount of time. We have applied these same skills to varied project types including complex office, retail, and residential work. Our working methodology benefits more than our design-build projects since the understanding that is necessary for these types of projects can easily be applied to more traditional project delivery methods like bid-build. Our clients include business owners, developers, and large institutions with aggressive schedules. We provide a cost effective and efficient way to manage and complete projects quickly. This allows us to upgrade office spaces and rental properties with minimum interruptions to business or income possibilities. At AENA we take pride in the ability to understand our clients’ needs. We reinforce their trust by being able to manage costs, meet schedules and complete projects to their specifications with limited oversight.

The Department of Information Technology is responsible for modernizing, unlocking, and socializing New York City Government. In seeking a new home for their headquarters and main data center, DoITT approached AENA through one of our long standing clients to design a facility that would allow them to be successful in their mandate. DoITT’s mission is to modernize by implementing state-of-the-art information technology to improve services to New Yorkers; unlock by making government more transparent and accountable to New Yorkers; and socialize by employing innovative tools, methods, and relationships to empower New Yorkers

In order to complete the project, AENA was asked to prepare a complete design including a set of drawings and specifications for contractor bidding within six weeks of our initial design meeting. This time constraint posed a challenge to our design team since the program was technically complex and required assembling a team of specialist consultants for the technical design of the data center that is a key component of the project. We surveyed the 80,000 square feet of existing space into which the new data center would be housed and found innovative ways to re-use existing facilities and save the client group money while still suiting the demanding program.

The client group represented diverse constituencies including DoITT, the building landlord, the tenant group that previously occupied the space DoITT was to occupy, and Citywide Administrative Services who are responsible for all NYC facilities. Part of our challenge in this project was to manage the complex client and consultant group.

Our work included providing all architectural design to renovate the existing data and office areas as well as support spaces like conference and reception facilities. All interior design was provided by AENA including selection of furniture and fixtures based on approved City specifications. We coordinated the work of consultants to provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing design and all security and data infrastructure for operation of the facility.

AENA assisted our client from initial design through bidding and contractor selection while simultaneously coordinating permitting by the New York City Department of Buildings. We then provided construction administration services through project completion.

Our integrated project delivery approach allows us to undertake the most complex project types through completion with confidence and expertise highlighting our commitment to all of the diverse client groups we serve.
 

AENA provided architectural design, expediting and construction services for the construction of a unique Gynecology Center located in Midtown Manhattan. The 7,000 square foot renovation provided our client with a versatile facility that offers complete women’s health care.

The state-of-the-art medical facility operates as a collection of three practices that work independently from each other; however on weekends the practices act as one entity therefore flexibility in space planning was a primary design constituent.

AENA was able to deliver the completed facility in four months including all design, expediting, and construction services through our integrated approach.

The complex program was solved by creating three discrete spaces that were connected internally through code compliant passage ways. The design intent of these connections was to integrate private areas of each practice that required special patient care. This allowed the front of the facility to be utilized as large open spaces available to the public while facilitating the administrative components of the practice.

We were able to provide the client with all design, construction and expediting services necessary to complete the project and to give the client a single point of accountability for progress and workmanship. The complexities of this type of project required careful multiple steps to facilitate the approval process and clearly shows the strengths of the integrated project delivery approach provided by AENA in executing the final design and construction.

AENA’s integrated architectural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical design capabilities allowed for cost effective design, sourcing, as well as installation of specialty lighting and the complex control systems required for this type of facility. Since the cooling and ventilation loads required by health care facilities have substantial HVAC requirements, AENA had to find alternatives to provide additional capacity within the existing structure to serve the new uses of the space.

Our hands-on design team found unique solutions to serve the HVAC loads for all program spaces within the existing building as well as the integration of plumbing systems compliant with medical use and in keeping with AENA’s goal to provide energy efficient solutions emphasizing sustainability in all our projects.

All electrical systems, wiring, and plumbing was upgraded and or replaced to meet the current standards of the Building Code of the City of New York and take advantage of NYSERDA and Con Ed rebate programs.

AENA also provided design and consulting services for the millwork located throughout the facility and provided signage design solutions to create separate identities for each practice.

At AENA we define green products as those that are socially and environmentally responsible. But what makes a product socially and environmentally responsible is not always as simple it may appear. Many individuals would agree that a new home designed and built with the latest products to reduce energy consumption would classify the house as being green. However, only looking at energy expenditures in a home overlooks the material and labor used to produce the structure itself. A house may utilize many of the latest technologies but if it contains some unsustainable or unhealthy materials then the sustainability of the entire house is called into question. If the house was constructed with workers that were not properly trained or without experience in sustainable technology, defects may surface and cause problems that would result in extensive energy and material waste to repair. Our monthly updates are designed to show new ideas, services, or projects that AENA is currently producing. What we often fail to mention is that our employees are highly trained and take pride in completing our work quickly and correctly to achieve the often complicated goals needed to make a structure truly sustainable. AENA combines green design with the necessary workmanship to deliver a product that uses material and energy efficiently. We believe that building green involves more than utilizing the newest popular green products; it is building well designed, efficient structures, whether homes, offices, or complete developments, that will last as long as possible.

To build a green product that endures time it is necessary to develop a design that incorporates the client's ideas as well as using the latest technology to make it as efficient as possible. AENA is constantly researching new materials, systems, and products that make our buildings more sustainable. We strive to make our new construction and renovations as efficient as possible so that owners or tenants do not have to invest more money into making the building efficient in the future.

One of the most difficult challenges in delivering a project is taking what is drawn on paper and making it understood and implemented correctly in the field. AENA has the construction experience to produce designs that can be built within the budget and schedule of our clients. We involve our trade managers and specialized construction personnel in the first stages of design to advise our architects and engineers so any faults in the proposed solution are uncovered early in the process. This allows project time and money to be saved in order to produce the best design possible. Once construction commences, we have the experience that allows us to monitor any work and instruct subcontractors or our own field personnel regarding any questions that may arise about complicated technology. As design-builders AENA's staff of designers, project mangers, trade managers, and specialized construction personnel work together to make sure the design is completed on time, on budget, and meet the specifications that the client desired.

During construction AENA specifies all the products necessary to complete the project. We believe that it is important to invest in sustainable materials and provide solutions on a case by case basis. We strive to make the building as sustainable as possible and distinguish true solutions from green trends to increase the sustainability of the structure. One of the ways we do this is to concentrate on the building infrastructure. We use computer generated models to determine costs and energy usage that will be saved by our designs. By using this tool we can determine lifecycle cost and the pay back periods for the client to determine if the sustainable investment will pay for itself and if the outcome on the overall quality of the finished product will justify the additional cost.

Project implementation could not be accomplished without a knowledgeable staff and the proper tools. AENA is constantly investing in our employees to increase their education and experience by promoting industry certifications for all our staff. We offer all employees full health insurance benefits and conduct multiple reviews so that everyone has a chance to receive personal feedback and improve how we work. We also continue to upgrade our office technology and are transitioning to becoming a truly mobile workplace that will allow us to improve cost tracking, scheduling, and energy usage. Last year we researched, purchased and installed the latest computer modeling software so that we could accurately predict how much energy our finished projects would consume. More recently we implemented a system to increase communication and reduce energy consumption in travel between the office and our construction sites. Currently we are upgrading our accounting system to allow us to more specifically allocate and track costs and to monitor schedules with greater accuracy thereby providing our clients with a higher level of information.

By combining our experience with the latest training and technology AENA is positioned to deliver a high quality sustainable building that conforms to the budget, schedule, and vision of our clients.

Among AENA's sustainable project objectives is an effort to find ways to reduce energy consumption in all newly designed spaces within both new buildings and renovations. We are also committed to achieving a high level of energy efficiency within currently existing spaces through the use of innovative strategies. By far, one of the greatest energy loads that most buildings possess is their heating & air conditioning equipment. With this in mind, we looked closely at of one our client's existing HVAC systems serving both office and retail spaces in mid-town Manhattan as part of a long term plan to increase the facilities energy efficiency. Through the use of heat exchangers (HEX) we found a unique approach to reduce energy consumption without replacing existing equipment or altering the existing spaces in any way.

A heat exchanger can be described as a device that allows the thermal energy of one element to be transferred to another. A hot water baseboard is a simple example of an HEX at work. The heat which travels within the hot water piping, is transferred through the baseboard element, which in turn is transferred into the space. The baseboard becomes a medium by which heat is taken from one 'space' and is brought into another.

Since domestic hot water production is a year round demand for our client, we decided to tackle this need with our HEX project. During the wintertime, the steam's thermal energy is captured in a shell & tube type HEX and is used to pre-heat the water going into our client's domestic hot water heaters. This HEX was efficiently installed in the steam room and required few pipe modifications.

During the summertime, a similar installation occurs in one of the mechanical rooms when the HVAC compressors are running. A discharge line on an air conditioning compressor can get hot enough to boil water. The compressor's discharge line is re-routed within refrigerant piping through a flat plate type HEX to transfer this heat onto the domestic hot water piping. The refrigerant and the water never mix just as in the steam room's shell & tube HEX, the steam and water never mix.

Our client's building like many office buildings has a high occupant load during the day that necessitates the use of HVAC equipment to the point that it often overlaps into the heating season. Therefore the installation of both of these heat exchangers, allows the building to nearly satisfy its domestic hot water needs. This approach allows us to use the same energy twice.

Since each AENA project not only receives a thorough design review but a financial feasibility review as well; we began this study by documenting the building's hot water demand through the installation of sub-meters. This 'energy load' data was used in our energy modeling software to calculate the expected energy consumption after the HEX installations, which in turn helped us ascertain the project's payback period for the building owner. Energy models are an important aspect of the energy retrofits we have performed. We also have experience working with NYSERDA and other government agencies that provide funding for energy investments. By concentrating on cost saving initiatives and researching tax credits, incentives and creative financing, we have been able to minimize our clients expenditures while maximizing their return on investment.

AENA is available to review any facility in order to determine sensible long term sustainable strategies for implementation over time as budget, financing options, and project circumstances allow.
 

The New Practices New York 2010 Portfolio Competition is sponsored by the AIA New York Chapter to review the portfolios of emerging New York City based firms. AENA was proud to present our work for recognition at the biennial competition. As a platform the competition served to recognize and promote new, innovative, and emerging architecture firms that have utilized unique and commendable strategies in the projects they undertake and the practices they have established. This competition is distinguished from others in that attention is focused on how the winning firms' practices have been uniquely shaped to better facilitate and exploit the type of projects they undertake.

AENA is a collaborative based firm that practices fully integrated design. Our design studio is structured to facilitate communication and promote sharing of ideas from diverse areas of expertise and varying viewpoints. We work in an open studio environment that encourages interaction between designers and experienced trade professionals to produce innovative design work that incorporates analysis at many levels. Our design process inherently challenges standard solutions and quickly reveals false assumptions through thorough examination of our proposals that emphasize good design and technical innovation. Design solutions are vetted with multiple reviews by design and trade experts drawing on work previously completed as well as wide-ranging analysis of site specific conditions. Internal competitions are used as a source of new design solution along with extensive research of precedents, new materials, and construction techniques. Due to our integrated approach to project delivery, we provide internal resources with a broad range of specific expertise that allow informed design and cost decisions to be made while providing the opportunity for innovative solutions.

AENA's critical practice evolved from the commitment of our dynamic and experienced team to fully understand design, construction, and financial parameters of each project allowing us to value particular project constraints by developing design solutions that are cost effective. Our integrated approach to project delivery was derived in an effort to better control the design process in order to elevate the quality of completed work. Since design is often based on field conditions and close understanding of costs incurred, our team is able to channel expenditures in the most beneficial manner for each project. We base our decisions on long term environmental impacts following the firm belief that green design provides long term sustainable cost benefits and reinforces positive human interaction. We find that the public review processes has influenced our design approach due to ever increasing requirements for input by a broad base of constituents and governmental authorities having jurisdiction. We focus our design process as it is shaped by input from outside influences. Our high level of design customization and innovation is achieved through our integrated project delivery which provides flexibility in design decision making, selection of materials, and scheduling advantages.

We focus on maintaining close client relationships by emphasizing our broad range of services and diverse project experience. Project selection is based on understanding the client objectives through our experience and our ability to provide the needed services in an effective manner. We do not offer services in areas where our focus does not contribute to our strengths or risks a successful outcome.

AENA was founded as an architectural firm by dynamic and experienced group of skilled and enthusiastic professionals. The multicultural background of our team has influenced the nature of our practice and continues to provide insight to our design approach. The studio is based on the concept of the mobile office, with work taking place in multiple locations that are linked electronically. This allows design solutions to be developed directly in the field or at our workshop during construction activities. We utilize digital media and traditional sketching and modeling techniques to produce design solutions. Our hands-on process differs from traditional bidding and negotiation allowing unique collaboration and partnerships. The use of full scale mock-ups and diverse sourcing of materials leads to alternative design solutions based on available materials and practical construction methods that contribute to our community and environmental goals.

As part of our design services AENA has always carefully considered the historic context of our project sites. Whether located within a historic district or part of an existing structure or adjacency that merited special consideration, we seek to design and build projects that are sympathetic to the existing context while addressing modern aesthetic sensibilities and maintenance concerns. Among our completed projects are a number of historically sensitive renovations of brownstones and apartment buildings as well as commercial and institutional structures. Our current work includes the restoration of 44 Beaver Street a 97,596 square foot office building in lower Manhattan for the City of New York as well as the restoration of a landmarked brownstone in Harlem for a private client.

Our Harlem project is located on the south side of Marcus Garvey Park (the former Mount Morris Park). In order to win approval for the renovation of this historic Queen Ann style row house built in 1886, AENA was commissioned to obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission for the conversion of this unique property. The public approvals process was lengthy despite the proposal of modest modifications to the building’s Landmarked exterior. AENA led the successful approvals process by appearing in front of the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association and Community Board 10 prior to presenting to the full Landmarks Preservation Commission.

By working with staff and commission members, AENA was able to win approval from all the agencies having jurisdiction over the project including the NYC Building Department of Buildings, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection as well as procuring special permits from the NYC Department of Transportation and the NYC Housing Preservation Commission. This project sought and won approval for an addition to the rear of the property that was both innovative and sympathetic to the historic context while not being historicist or imitating surrounding structures. The addition provided users with modern amenities in spaces filled with natural light and connected the interiors to the well landscaped rear yard. Upon permit approval AENA completed the facade restoration of the building as part of our design-build services complying with all Landmarks requirements for quality assurance by working with staff during construction to proved all necessary samples and project documentation.

As part of our design, expediting, and design-build services, AENA is capable of understanding the most cost effective way to restore or maintain the facades of existing buildings or design a new façade for any structure while seeking all required approvals for permitting or providing certified reports that may be needed for compliance with NYC Local Laws.

Our extensive experience in the restoration and adaptive re-use of historic properties in combination with our hands-on design-build approach allows us to fully restore noteworthy buildings in a cost effective manner while adding both value and reducing future maintenance to the renovated areas. Our work to restore residential structures of a modest scale along with large commercial buildings that have involved complex restoration techniques allows us to successfully restore or provide maintenance consulting services on any building type.

 

As part of the sustainable condominium project AENA is completing on 120th Street across from Marcus Garvey Park, we are proceeding with the installation of mechanical systems that were designed to meet LEED Gold certification. AENA used our sustainable Integrated Project Delivery development model to perform the design, the construction and the LEED certification of these condos. Utilizing efficient equipment and checking our assumptions with an energy model, we have been able to receive energy rebates through the NYSERDA program, in addition to delivering a sustainable design that will realize energy savings throughout the lifecycle of the building.

One piece of equipment that assisted in creating a high efficiency, sustainable building was the Baxi Luna 380. These on demand boilers and hot water heating systems are one of the innovative pieces of equipment that highlight the advantages of our Sustainable Integrated Project Delivery Service. Unlike traditional architecture firms, AENA’s staff of architects and designers worked alongside our MEP engineers and installers from the project’s inception to develop workable sustainable mechanical systems for the project. Once it was decided that the project would be LEED certified, the AENA team brought their experience and knowledge along with a company wide focus on sustainability to develop a number of ideas that would help create a LEED certified and efficient project.

By using our Integrated Project Delivery method, construction was able to commence before the design was finalized. A permit set was developed for approvals and work started almost immediately. As construction progressed the design was developed for site conditions and the specifications were finalized. Developing the design during construction allowed a close collaboration between the designers, the installers and the equipment manufacturers. Additionally, the ability to research the design’s specifications while not delaying construction gave AENA’s team of architects, designers, and MEP engineers more time to research and select equipment for the project that integrated the sustainable design goals, with the budget and schedule of the project.

High Efficiency boilers will be installed in every unit as well as the common area so as to provide individual controls for each owner to heat the space as well as provide hot water. The Baxi was chosen for this application for a number of reasons. The most important being its condensing nature. A condensing boiler captures the latent heat from the fuel burning process and allows it to reuse latent energy towards heating the space, instead of sending out the chimney. This 'second' pass, is what helps the boiler achieve its 98% AFUE rating. This high efficiency rating has a direct impact on the energy model; and makes it eligible for NYSERDA incentives. To take advantage of their efficiency, AENA fabricated a custom cabinet in our millwork shop to house the boiler, providing more usable space in the apartment while allowing maintenance access for the units.

The Baxi units emit 90% less carbon monoxide, and 80% less nitrogen, allowing utility bills and green house emissions to be cut in half while providing endless hot water on demand. AENA's integrated approach allows a high level of energy efficient design and innovation while implementing cost effective solutions for all of our sustainable projects. Our team based approach provides clients with the best design solutions in the most cost effective manner whether we provide traditional design services or utilize our sustainable Integrated Project Delivery method.

Local Law 52, better known as the Bicycle Access Plan, was recently adopted to increase bicycle commuting by providing cyclists the opportunity to securely park their bicycles in the workplace or other designated areas. This plan benefits both the individual cyclists and the city at large. On an individual level, the law facilitates a healthy and active lifestyle and supports a cost-free commuting option. On a citywide level, by encouraging everyday commuter cycling, the law supports a carbon free mode of transportation and helps alleviate overcrowding on the city’s public transit system.

As part of the sustainable design build services AENA offers our clients, we completed an assessment report for an office building in Manhattan for this recently implemented law. The Bicycle Access Plan was signed into Law on August 13, 2009 by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, took effect on December 11, 2009, and applies to buildings where the main occupancy is offices. After preparing the report, AENA submitted the assessment for our client to the New York City Department of Transportation for approval prior to preparing permit application drawings for the NYC Department of Buildings.

Since AENA had previously provided various design and sustainability services for this client at this location, we understood the long term goals of the facility and studied solutions that complemented and enhanced those strategies. Most recently, we had provided evaluation and expediting services to prepare Local Law 11 filings and completed an Emergency Action Plan pursuant to the requirements of the Fire Department Rule 3 of RCNY Section 6-01. As with our previous work, AENA was able to quickly find a cost effective solution for compliance with the new Bicycle Access Plan and provide a real amenity to the building occupants.

In addition providing design services to commercial buildings owners, we have been able to implement sensible energy saving improvements for our clients to improve the sustainability of existing buildings and plan for future construction. Our ability to design, expedite, and carry any project through construction allows us to help clients realize complicated building improvements, whether for sustainability or changing user and market demands.

AENA is able to provide our clients the full spectrum of services required for the long term sustainable upgrades that result in real cost benefits. We have the design, expediting, and construction knowledge to implement ever changing government requirements and take advantage of public grants and tax incentives. Our staff is knowledgeable in current rebate programs and upcoming requirements for energy compliance. We believe that by fully understanding the approval process we can provide integrated services in an efficient manner by bringing schedule and cost efficiencies to the design and construction process for our clients.

AENA recently completed the regional office for Unlimited Care Inc., in Middletown, NY. This project included new construction to complete an addition to the existing one story office and retail building, renovation of interior spaces for the new uses, and landscape alterations to create common outdoor areas. AENA obtained all required approvals for the project including a complicated Planning Board and Building Department review process by providing all architectural, engineering, and landscape design as well as comprehensive design-build services.

The project was completed using a Cost Plus delivery method. This model accelerates the project by starting multiple facets of the projects simultaneously.

In our cost-plus method the customer is charged directly for the real costs of labor and material incurred in the project without other mark-ups. While AENA develops a timeline and a budget to assess the project, we do not bid or provide a fixed cost for construction. The customer gets cost savings because they do not incur any contingencies, cushion, or overhead that normally increases a bid number. The client also avoids costly errors in communication between the design and construction team and never sees a change order unless the scope of the project is truly changed. There are many other savings such as the time and cost in preparing the bid itself, reduction in managerial and accounting tasks, and elimination of the submittal and substitution process, making the project delivery efficient and without redundant costs. The project schedule is accelerated because the job is able to begin construction while design is still underway, thereby reducing carrying costs. AENA has the unique capabilities as a design-build firm to utilize expeditors, architects, and construction personnel during all phases of the design and construction process. We finalize the design and begin construction immediately after obtaining a permit, utilizing our integrated expediting services. Detailed project documentation is completed while construction is underway to save time. Unexpected field conditions are handled within budget by design solutions that have design and field personnel working together to find the best solution for unexpected conditions. The comprehensive cost savings of this delivery method are substantial. In a typical cost-plus design-build project, the entire project including all design, approvals, and construction is typically completed for 33% less then average renovation construction costs. This provides the clients who utilize these services with substantial savings as well as expedited delivery of their project. We believe this delivery method is truly the most cost effective way to complete any project while providing the same high level of design as other delivery methods.

Cost Plus Advantages:
• Efficiency Of Design And Construction
• Accelerated Scheduling
• Lower Overhead Costs
• No Mark-Up Or Cushion In Pricing
• Increased Communication

AENA is capable of completing any project requirement and is a full service expert that can handle every aspect of the project. In the unique development project we completed for this client, AENA utilized a cost-plus delivery method along with our normal development services. By combining our cost-plus design-build model with our development services, AENA developed a partnership with this client throughout the lifespan of the project and beyond. As with any cost-plus project, there was no time wasted on negotiating a bid or change orders, and AENA became a true partner and advocate for the client in the project from the first design meeting through final touch-up.
 

AENA is proud to present the entry for the 2009 urbanSHED International Design Competition. The goal of the competition was to challenge the design community to create a new standard for sidewalk shed design and develop a prototype for New York City.

AENA presented HxShed, a scheme based on a modular system composed of structural cast cells that are easily transported and quickly and economically assembled onsite. The pre-fabricated nature of the Hxshed makes the design of the shed flexible and allows for multiple configurations that are site specific. The cell configuration is reinforced by a secondary structural system that is built with composite planks and supports the vertical loads of the shed and also protects pedestrians from possible construction debris.

The selection of sustainable graffiti resistant materials for the cells allowed the design of a system that maximizes natural lighting and avoids waste and excessive energy usage while in place. The underlying beehive structural organization provides nature inspired strength and durability while allowing replacement or reconfiguration of individual cells without undermining the structure as a whole.

Natural light is used to illuminate the shed during daylight hours through the plank and open cell system but when natural illumination levels drop an artificial source located within the protective deck of the shed is activated and provides lighting through an integrated illumination system. Signage was also incorporated within the cell and plank system to allow lighted designation of property addresses and business names the shed obscures. Once disassembled, the shed components can be reconfigured and re-assembled in other locations without any wasted material or temporary shoring.

In order to help green the city, AENA created planted elements within the structural cells to enhance the pedestrian experience and foster an improved urban environment for those that utilize our public infrastructure. Enhancing quality of life in the City and achieving sustainability goals were the primary design principals behind our proposal. Our modular approach allowed a practical and economical solution that could be assembled in varied site conditions and re-used to achieve the goals we established for our submission and that we apply to all of our work.
 

AENA was approached by North American Design Magazine to be featured in a project focus article highlighting our innovative design method. The following re-print of the article was published in the fall 2009 issue of the magazine.

Authentic Innovation
AENA Corporation’s full spectrum of services gives it a competitive advantage.
By Genevieve Diesing

To many, ‘innovation’ may be just a design industry buzzword, but to AEN Architects Principal Alex Nussbaumer, the concept can be weighty. “You can’t truly innovate if you don’t understand the entire process of building and design,” he says. “Only by understanding the process can you efficiently propose innovative design solutions.”

In Nussbaumer’s estimation, AENA truly understands this. The company has a grip on both the intricacies of architectural design and the technical complexities of structural and mechanical design, giving it a holistic view of the entire design process.

This view distinguishes it as a genuine innovator in its field, Nussbaumer explains. Now in its 15th year, this New York City based architecture, interiors, planning, design/build firm says the synergy that occurs every day in its offices is a direct result of having a full spectrum of specialties in-house, an asset it says most of the competition can’t measure up to. This empowers AENA personnel to continuously make the most effective and creative design and technical decisions on clients’ behalf, he notes.

“There is a lot of cross-feeding of information [between staff] because we do design/build and we have engineers right in the same studio with architects,” Nussbaumer notes. “It’s a very steady and productive transfer of information on projects. It makes it easier to implement new types of design solutions because you have the expertise in-house to really understand and execute new and innovative building strategies.”

AENA is working on a condominium project called Condos on 126th Street in Harlem, N.Y., and another condominium project called Garvey Park Condos, on 120th St. They are designed to LEED gold and silver levels, respectively. “We’ve been able to employ some sustainable strategies in terms of HVAC systems, gray-water systems, solar panels and innovative use of heating systems,” Nussbaumer says. “Because of our design process, and the level of communication among the design disciplines and trades, we can implement sustainable concepts without adding as much cost to the project compared with other firms.”

Practical design and cost-control are critical parts of AENA’s design philosophy, and it achieves them through effective communication. “When we do design/build, we can have the tradesmen that are going to execute the project in the room when we are doing the design,” he explains. “Because we’re using an integrated approach, we can cut out a certain level of documentation and a certain amount of time.

“That ability to quickly understand design from the implementation side and conquer problems and hurdles – it’s a huge benefit,” Nussbaumer adds.

Permanent Niche
AENA’s staff is its biggest asset, so it takes time to train it properly. “Once we decide on hiring someone, we pair them with a senior project manager so they understand the ways that we work,” Nussbaumer says. “Once they are trained in the ways we do design, they are allowed to manage their own project. We do place an emphasis on keeping everyone on track to manage and design their own projects.”
 

AENA is proud to announce the completion of a large high end apartment renovation for one of our valued repeat clients. The apartment is located in the beautiful Riverside Drive neighborhood of Manhattan. We have been fortunate to work with the owners of this very special renovation in several capacities that highlight some of the unique services we offer all of our clients. AENA provided development services for a previous renovation for this same client. As part of our development service AENA partners with developers or property owners who would like to design a new building or renovate an existing property. Some of our past clients have been commercial building owners looking to convert existing spaces for greater income, long time property owners wanting to renovate part or all of their building to upgrade their asset in the marketplace, or developers working on complicated projects for sale or lease. For these clients AENA provides all the needed services and expertise so that our client can be involved as little or as much as they are comfortable with to complete the project. Clients can be passive investors or active participants in the development process.

The apartment renovation pictured here was delivered by a cost-plus delivery method, another advantage AENA offers our preferred clients. In our cost-plus method the customer is charged directly for the real costs of labor and material incurred in the project without other mark-ups. While AENA develops a timeline and a budget to assess the project, we do not bid or provide a fixed cost for construction. The customer gets cost savings because they do not have to pay any contingencies, cushion, or overhead that normally increases a bid number. The client also avoids costly errors in communication between the design and construction team and never sees a change order unless the scope of the project is truly changed. There are many other savings such as the time and cost in preparing the bid itself, reduction in managerial and accounting tasks, and elimination of the submittal and substitution process, making the project delivery efficient and without redundant costs. The project schedule is accelerated because the job is able to begin construction while design is still underway, thereby reducing carrying costs. AENA has the unique capabilities as a design-build firm to utilize expeditors, architects, and construction personnel during all phases of the design and construction process. We finalize the design and begin construction immediately after obtaining a permit, utilizing our integrated expediting services. Construction documentation is completed while the construction has already started and is progressing to save time. Unexpected field conditions are handled within budget by design solutions that have design and field personnel working together to find the best solution for unexpected conditions. All told, the cost savings of this delivery method are substantial. In a typical cost-plus design-build Project, the entire project including all design, approvals, and construction is typically completed for 33% less then average renovation construction costs in New York City. This provides the clients who utilize these services with substantial savings as well as expedited delivery of their project. We believe this delivery method is truly the most cost effective way to complete any project while providing the same high level of design as other delivery methods.

Cost Plus Advantages:
• Efficiency Of Design And Construction
• Accelerated Scheduling
• Lower Overhead Costs
• No Mark-Up Or Cushion In Pricing
• Increased Communication

AENA is capable of completing any project requirement and is a full service expert that can handle every aspect of the project. In the unique development project we completed for this client, AENA utilized a cost-plus delivery method along with our normal development services. By combining our cost-plus design-build model with our development services, AENA developed a partnership with this client throughout the lifespan of the project and beyond. As with any cost-plus project, there was no time wasted on negotiating a bid or change orders, and AENA became a true partner and advocate for the client in the project from the first design meeting through final touch-up.

AENA recently completed the renovation of a large Loft located within the Tribeca historic district. The scope of the work consisted of converting an open Loft into a high-end one bedroom apartment.

We worked closely with the client to produce a cost effective renovation that embodied the desired aesthetics for the space and was in keeping with the landmarked building. By offering the client a design-build project delivery model, AENA was able to provide the client with all design, construction and expediting services necessary to complete the project and furthermore give the client a single point of accountability for progress and workmanship.

The Loft renovation was situated within a historic district and subject to Loft Board Control and Co-op Board Approval. The complexities of this type of project required careful multiple steps to facilitate the approval process and clearly shows the strengths of the integrated approach provided by AENA in executing the design and construction.

The proposed design worked within the context of the historic warehouse and maintained the open loft feel while providing ample storage for the client’s use. Following pre-design meetings the client was presented with a variety of schemes and materials options. The selected design included raising the ceiling height throughout the apartment by exposing the original building joists and introduced custom built millwork made of mahogany that complimented the existing wood beams, columns, and flooring.

Curved elements were introduced to facilitate the flow between public and private areas and permitted the creative configuration of the bedroom. Translucent features where added to these curves so natural light and ventilation could enter the living room and kitchen while maintaining the privacy of the adjacent spaces.

Additionally, an en-suite bathroom with laundry area was added to the design and ceramic tiles were custom fitted to the curvature and accented with concealed lighting. The open kitchen presents a unique island that was manufactured on site and provides the space with an area for entertaining guests. High efficiency appliances and fixtures were installed throughout the apartment in order to reduce energy use and consequently minimize the client’s utility costs.

As part of the renovation efforts the electrical systems, wiring and most of the plumbing was upgraded and or replaced in this historic property to meet the current standards of the Building Code of the City of New York.
 

As part of the sustainable services AENA offers our clients, we incorporate sustainable cost saving measures in to each of our projects, including new buildings, renovations, and energy efficiency upgrades. A key aspect of these sustainable costs saving measures, is our experience with the innovative programs funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA.

NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation that was created in 1975 and is primarily funded by state rate payers. Every customer of Con Edison pays a small amount each month to the System Benefits Charge/Renewable Portfolio Standard that funds NYSERDA. This money is available to help finance and subsidize any upgrades Con Edison customers make to their existing property or new construction that reduce electrical or gas consumption. An added benefit of working with AENA for your NYSERDA upgrade is that our Design Build Model keeps costs low and expedites the process. In addition we have the capabilities to develop an energy model which projects the energy and cost savings of the upgrades.

AENA has worked with our clients to obtain financing and credits for LEED certification and energy efficient equipment upgrades for both new construction and renovations. These upgrades provide our customers with increased property values and lower operating costs. The cost savings produced by those upgrades in conjunction with the NYSERDA funding reduces pay back periods and makes green building more affordable.

Our capability as a design build firm reduces installation cost and scheduling time. We are able to design and install equipment as part of new construction, a renovation, or independently, that will improve your facility and reduce your energy use. Our Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing tradesman are brought in to the design process early in order to select the equipment that is right for the project and eligible for NYSERDA credits. By having all the designers, technicians, and installers under the same roof AENA is able to design and install the equipment more quickly then other firms that separate the design and construction process. This lessens installation time and reduces overhead costs associated with the project.

Once the equipment and design have been specified an Energy Model is created which will show the energy and cost savings that can be expected from the planned upgrades. The model has the ability to incorporate all planned upgrades showing how much better the building will perform then a standard building that does not have the energy efficient upgrades. This tool allows the customer to adjust their expenses allocated to utilities and after understanding the cost savings associated with the project adjust their budget and investment timeline accordingly.

AENA has the experience, knowledge and personnel to make any renovation or new construction energy efficient and LEED certified within your budget. Please call or email us for more information.

AENA has just launched our updated website and wanted to invite our clients and business community to visit us at aenac.com. As part of the changes, we created an Updates Section that will provide information on what we are working on and our observations on the real estate market and the construction industry.

For our first installment we wanted to review our Sustainability Service and the new green awareness that is overtaking the industry. Over the past year we have done a lot of work on LEED certified buildings and retrofitting existing buildings to increase their energy efficiency. AENA is uniquely suited for this work due to the LEED Accredited Professionals that we have on staff. Our Accredited Professionals help decide which LEED credits are most advantageous to attempt from a cost and design perspective and work on the certification of the building. As part of LEED we also do all the energy modeling required which enables us to show our clients the anticipated cost savings due to energy upgrade investments.

Energy models are an important aspect of the energy retrofits we have performed. By modeling potential efficiency upgrades we can determine how long it will take our customers to make their money back and which investments have the greatest effect on their bottom line. We also have experience working with NYSERDA and other government agencies that provide funding for energy investments. By concentrating on cost saving initiatives and researching tax credits, incentives and creative financing, we have been able to minimize our clients expenditures while maximizing their return on investment. By analyzing and improving inefficient electrical installations and HVAC systems, increasing overall building insulation, installing highly efficient windows or façades, and by innovative technologies that use excess heat to warm the building and its water, in addition to educating building users, we are able to lower monthly utility bills by 20-30%. Clients then have the option to reinvest these savings into more capital intensive renovations, such as solar panels and or cogeneration units that will create electricity for the appropriate facilities. These investments will further decrease the projects utility costs and increase its profitability while decreasing its effect on the surrounding environment.

Producing environmentally friendly buildings is not only good for the environment but a good investment. Environmentally designed buildings not only reduce operating costs, but are more valuable because of improved comfort that leads to higher leasable value and sales price.

“According to a CoStar study, LEED buildings command rent premiums of $11.33 per square foot over their non-LEED peers and have 4.1 percent higher occupancy. Rental rates in Energy Star buildings represent a $2.40 per square foot premium over comparable non-Energy Star buildings and have 3.6 percent higher occupancy.”

“A 2006 Green Building Council study found that by retrofitting buildings, owners can save 90 cents a square foot annually, on average, in energy and other costs and earn back their investment in 2 to 2 .5 years.”

Please let us know if we can be of service to you for your current project or your next one. We would be happy to discuss our ideas on design and sustainability with you at any time.
 

Producing environmental friendly buildings is not only good for the environment but a good investment. As part of our continued commitment to energy and environmental conscious design and construction, AENA Corporation provided Architectural, engineering and construction services for the harnessing of solar energy for a single family house located in Short Hills New Jersey.

The solar energy provision under the New Jersey Renewable Energy Incentive Program offers upfront incentives to customers of utilities regulated by the BPU (Board of Public Utilities) who invest in eligible electricity-producing equipment for use in offsetting onsite electric consumption. REIP (Renewable Energy Incentive Program) incentives improve the financial returns of renewable energy investments by offsetting the cost of system installation and/or providing ongoing benefits in the form of renewable energy credits from the generation of renewable energy.

The solar energy hardware was comprised of 64 solar panels delivering 3,000 watts of power along with the complementary inverter module. The solar panels system we used is a cutting edge technology that integrated the panel into the roof tile; solar and roof combined into one.

The benefits of solar energy are no only environmental such as reducing pollution and preserving natural resources, but from the investment point of view it stabilizes electric costs, increases self reliance and strengthens energy security and long term affordability.

AENA was selected to design a unique commercial space in Midtown Manhattan to house a technology showroom for Ricoh Corporation. As one of only three such Technology Portals located in United States the facility acts as a place to display cutting-edge office equipment and provide a training and conference facility. Designed as a fully networked business environment, the technology Portal depicts typical customer workflow with various Ricoh solutions designed to address everyday requirements through distinct sections of the showroom floor.

Among the showroom's customer-friendly features is a state-of-the art conference room, with teleconferencing capabilities that can connect engineers with Ricoh's customers to develop solutions on-site as well as lecture and event facilities. The space is designed to be flexible and accommodate large seminars and events or small group marketing tours utilizing multi-media. The varied nature of the events makes this a true multi-purpose facility that presented special design and construction challenges. Working with the client, AENA developed a program for the facility and carried the design through construction in a turn-key manner. In addition to the conference and sales facilities, the showroom is also an office and training site for staff that run the events.

AENA provided full design and construction services, delivering the showroom in several months. Work included complete interior renovations, lighting design, data infrastructure design, telecommunications design, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and retail display. The facility was designed in accordance with LEED and ISO standards to meet the client's sustainability goals.