HONORABLE MENTION: BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY
The Solaire
When the Albanese Organization Inc. went to a conference with the Battery Park City Authority to learn about New York City’s environmental requirements for new buildings, the company wasn’t intimidated. In fact, Albanese was intrigued enough to develop an ambitious property that would surpass those green guidelines.
The company named its green building the Solaire, filling it with environmentally friendly technologies and features. They include a blackwater, or raw sewage, treatment plant that captures and treats up to 25,000 gallons of wastewater per day for toilets and cooling tower makeup water; a central HVAC filtration and humidification control system; a rainwater storage system; extensive solar panels; and water reserves for roof garden irrigation. The building is designed to consume 35 percent less energy than a typical New York code-compliant building and to achieve a 65 percent reduction in electricity during peak summer periods.
–L. Shaver
HONORABLE MENTION: NICHE MARKET
Campus Pointe at Longleaf Lakes
When it’s time for a study break, Auburn University students don’t have to venture far.
They step out their doors into a sea of activities, including a game room with pool, foosball, and air hockey, a stadium-seating movie theater, and a clubhouse complete with a wide-screen TV and Xbox entertainment system–not to mention the tanning beds and full-size basketball courts.
The 300 residential units aren’t too shabby either. Built by Bostic Construction Inc., units feature washers and dryers, free high-speed Internet access and cable, and fully equipped kitchens. Plus, a parent or guest suite is available. Bright, funky colors and furniture give the community a hip, happening feel.
–R. Azoff
HONORABLE MENTION: NICHE MARKET
Lenfest Residence Hall, Columbia University, New York
To build in the Big Apple, you’ve got to make the most of a small space and navigate around zoning constraints. Columbia University’s 311-unit residence hall for law students makes this process look easy.
The architect, New York-based Gruzen Samton, used the steeply sloping site to create a bamboo rock garden three floors below street level, adding 16 additional apartments not counted in the zoning area limit. Larger apartments were placed in the base of the building to take advantage of the greater permitted depth, and unused zoning was transferred from adjacent buildings to maximize the number of apartments and reduce incremental costs.
The building offers all the bells and whistles–pool tables, a bar with lounge seating, and small rooms for study groups. The furnished units feature furniture on wheels so rooms can easily be reconfigured to meet students’ needs.
–R. Azoff