Architect:
The Hecky Group
Owner:
a.m. Rodriguez Associates, inc.
Categories:
[Sota has] extensive knowledge of sustainable design and energy use in buildings as well as understanding innovative energy systems.
— Laura Nettleton
thoughtful balance, inc.
Contract Amount: $3.3m
Size: 64,000 s.f.
Type: Substantial Renovation
A renovation and conversion of an existing abandoned school, this 59-unit apartment building was designed specifically for seniors. We provided extensive exploratory services and value engineering that resulted in the substantial renovation to be completed with less than 1/2% in unforeseen change orders. Numerous unique challenges were faced on this project, including in-filling the entire first floor to raise it 18 inches, filling an existing 10-foot-deep swimming pool, and lowering a central courtyard to improve access. Approximately 100 door openings were cut through 2-foot thick terra-cotta walls.
Despite being one of our earliest projects, completed in 1995, our goal of making this a greener building was accomplished through the use of low-VOC paints and adhesives and the recycling of job site cardboard, steel, cast iron, and wood trim. The walls and and roof were insulated to significantly improve R-Values, and a SEMCO air-to-air heat exchanger was installed, providing both reduced annual operating cost and fresher air for the residents.
Other amenities added included a library, laundry room, hair salon, elevators, and natural lighting. The project received the Gold Medal National Award for best senior housing renovation project for 1995 from the National Association of Home Builders.