Project Description
This ten-story, 62,535 square foot residential building complex provides 66-units of multifamily supportive and affordable housing in the Bronx. DRPILLA provided structural, geotechnical, and civil engineering design services for the project. The structural framing of the building consists of eight inch hollow core concrete plank floors and roof without concrete topping supported on CMU walls.
CLIENT
Volunteers of America – Greater New York /
The Housing Collaborative, LLC
LOCATION
Bronx, NY
SERVICES
Structural Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Site / Civil Engineering
COMPLETION
2015
CERTIFICATIONS
LEED Platinum
COST
$24 million
Blending in with the Bronx’s Bricks
With the Creston residence being flanked by five- and six-story buildings from the 1930’s and 40’s, the project team was challenged to implement a design that looked modern, but not out of place among the older brick structures. The building is divided into three smaller masses, two separate brick sections and a main body, slightly set back, clad in metal. Masonry bearing shear walls were designed perpendicular to the exterior walls which allowed for the design of the façade to be governed by lateral wind loads only. Large window apertures create reflections and brighten the building’s exterior envelope.
From the Ground Up
Since construction was within close proximity of existing buildings, selecting the appropriate foundation system was critical in advancing the project development. The process of excavating for a new building foundation, especially in urban areas, can often result in damage to adjacent buildings. To minimize lateral loads imposed on the adjacent buildings, a perimeter caisson foundation was implemented. This solution eliminated the need for deep underpinning and extensive shoring.
From the Ground Up
Since construction was within close proximity of existing buildings, selecting the appropriate foundation system was critical in advancing the project development. The process of excavating for a new building foundation, especially in urban areas, can often result in damage to adjacent buildings. To minimize lateral loads imposed on the adjacent buildings, a perimeter caisson foundation was implemented. This solution eliminated the need for deep underpinning and extensive shoring.
Sustainable Features
The development achieved LEED Platinum certification and meets the goals of the NYSERDA Multifamily Building Performance Program for New Construction. Green features and technology include photovoltaic panel system at the roof, a green roof, generous fenestration to maximize daylight, low-E thermally broken Energy Star windows, low or no VOC paints, primers and caulks, water saver faucets and shower heads, and a rainwater harvesting system to aid in the irrigation of the landscaped rear yard planted with native, non-invasive species.
