NYC Urban Interim Housing Prototype

Additional Info

Award Winner : Mark Line Industries, Inc.

Architectural Excellence : After the damage suffered by New York City as a result of Superstorm Sandy, FEMA and New York City Office of Emergency Management sought an attractive, healthy, and high-performance solution for urban-density interim housing that could be used for in permanent applications after the initially recovery. The design-build team created a core and bedroom module type that can be deployed in various combinations to serve families of varied sizes. When fully deployed, the interim housing units are meant to form a full urban block, stacking from four to six stories in height. Interiors are well-lit, feature ample storage, and are fully accessible. The buildings feature a clean and modern aesthetic with a demountable rainscreen cladding that can replaced in permanent applications to better match the site’s context. Building accents match NYC OEM’s branding in custom powder coated ReadyNY yellow.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Building for the nation’s most expensive construction market with the strictest zoning requirements lent itself to off-site, modular fabrication where modern efficiencies can help defray some of the cost drivers. To deliver a viable model that could be deployed in urban areas across the country, a full analysis of all materials and systems was performed weighing material upfront cost, labor component, durability / cost to replace, and other properties such as weight. For instance, pre-engineered precast panel was used in lieu of reinforced poured slabs to reduce the size of crane required at the site. We also sought to reduce ongoing operating costs by utilizing low-flow fixtures and fittings, high-efficiency split system HVAC, a double insulated rain screen envelope and thermally broken custom window systems.

Design Firm Name : Garrison Architects

Engineering Firm Name : Anastos Engineering Associates

Green Building Description : With the history of unhealthy temporary housing and potentially disrupted utility grids following a disaster, great attention was paid to sustainability. LEED guidelines for Indoor Environmental Quality were followed and off-gassing engineered wood products were eliminated. Casework was custom fabricated from 12-ply Russian Birch with a phenolic resin facing. Rapidly renewable and durable cork plank flooring is provided throughout living areas with porcelain tile cladding floor and walls in the restroom. An efficient double insulated rain screen envelope was provided to reduce energy demands. The building is constructed of high recycled content steel. An efficient VRF HVAC system was selected and architectural LED and CFL fixtures are provided throughout the interior and exterior of the building. Ample daylighting and passive cooling is allowed for via the custom recycled fiberglass window systems and care was paid to eliminate thermal bridging at areas such as the balconies.

Installer Firm Name : MEDCON-USA

Occupied Date : 6/4/2014

Owner Firm Name : New York City Office of Emergency Management

Production Start Date : 12/13/2013

Project Location City : Brooklyn

Project Location State Name : NY

Technical Innovation : Following FEMA’s experiences in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, great care was taken finish the building with healthy materials that would provide and maintain a clean and supportive interior environment. The vertical stair modules bolt-together and tilt-up, quickly rendering the building accessible for occupants. Off-gassing engineered wood products were avoided with phenolic faced multi-ply material used to fabricate custom cabinetry and storage units and rapidly renewable cork plank floors throughout, all contributing to the healthy indoor environment. Since utilities are frequently disrupted following natural disasters, the building is designed to integrate with a photovoltaic array and equipped with systems to reduce the demand for energy and water. High-efficiency VRF HVAC, a double-insulated rain screen, reflective membrane roofing, low-flow fixtures, and LED and CFL lighting throughout also help to maintain sustainability.

Total Square Feet : 2100