Administration for Children's Services Building, New York City, NY
Architect: Richard Dattner Partners
Beginning
during schematic design, William Bobenhausen, FAIA directed design consultations and other
environmental design services for this historic 140,000
square foot building renovation which is the sole surviving structure on the
Bellview Hospital grounds in lower Manhattan designed by the legendary firm of
McKim Mead and White. The design team included Richard Dattner Architect, P.D.,
Lakhani & Jordan Engineers (HVAC), Ann Kale and Associates (lighting
design), and Steven Winters Associates (computer modeling and environmental design).
A detailed energy analysis of the building was performed using the DOE-2.1E computer program. This study focused on improvements to the existing masonry shell (adding significant levels of insulation), glazing replacements in the windows, efficient lighting with the extensive use of natural daylight, and efficient HVAC equipment. SWA also performed a detailed life cycle cost analysis of the buildings' HVAC system options using the BLCC-4 software developed by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). The resulting design is expected to save over $57,000 per year in energy costs, and to reduce annual CO2 emissions by over 500 tons.
Because of the facility's function as a center for young children, particular emphasis was also placed on identifying materials which maintain healthy indoor air quality. Recommendations were provided on a wide range of materials including:
- carpets (broadloom and tile);
- resilient flooring (vinyl, linoleum, cork, and rubber);
- hard surface flooring (stone and tile);
- wall coverings;
- paints;
- cavity wall insulation;
- modular workstations;
- millwork items; and
- ceiling tiles.
Specification guidelines were also developed for products selected by the design team. These guidelines included volatile organic compound (VOC) limits and other environmental criteria for products such as paints, sealers, caulks, adhesives, and sealants.
The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) co-funded project's services through its FlexTech Assistance program.