The American Institute of Architects Long Island Chapter (AIA LI) presented its prestigious 2011 Sustainable Design Award to BBS Architects & Engineers (BBS). AIA LI bestowed the award in recognition of an outstanding use of sustainable design practices during BBS’ work at the Nesconset Public Library Branch. LIPA Long Island Power Authority sponsored the Sustainable Design Award.
AIA LI also recognized BBS with the 2011 ARCHI Award Commendation for the St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery Welcoming and Information Center in Farmingdale, NY.
Located in Nesconset, NY, the 25,000-sf Nesconset Library Branch project encompassed a conversion of a former federal armory structure into a library and technical services center for the entire Smithtown Special Library District. The Nesconset Library is currently undergoing the LEED certification by the US Green Building Council, with the LEED Silver level target.
BBS, a leading Greater New York area architect and designer of green institutional, educational and corporate facilities, served as architect, interior designer and engineer for the library conversion.
“We are tremendously honored to receive the 2011 Sustainable Design Award,” said BBS President and Lead Architect Roger P. Smith, AIA, LEED AP. “The Nesconset Library Branch project presented the BBS design team with an exciting opportunity to redevelop an abandoned structure into an environmentally responsible public use facility that will serve the local community for decades to come.”
The entire library building was fully renovated, including new HVAC, lighting, electrical and plumbing systems. The armory’s “drill room” was converted into a soaring open plan library space with unobstructed clerestory windows that allow natural light into the interiors. The new finishes, millwork, furniture, casework, and lighting created an inviting and fully accessible community environment for library patrons.
Headquartered in Patchogue, NY, BBS Architects & Engineers is a leading Long Island and Tri-state area designer of sustainable commercial, institutional and public facilities. The firm designed the first LEED-certified public school in New York State – the Hampton Bays Middle School in Hampton Bays, NY – which received LEED Silver certification, indicating a very high level of environmental sustainability in design and construction practices. BBS services include architecture and interior design as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering.
The firm’s current and recent work includes the 100-room Hyatt Place East End hotel in Riverhead, NY; the new $28.5-million Life Sciences Building at the Suffolk County Community College Ammerman Campus in Selden, NY; the $78.2-million Riverhead Central School District expansion and capital improvement program in Riverhead, NY; the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Administrative Building in Coram, NY; and the new Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in North Merrick, NY. BD+C
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 1, 2023
Nonresidential construction spending increases slightly in June
National nonresidential construction spending increased 0.1% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Spending is up 18% over the past 12 months. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.07 trillion in June.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 1, 2023
Top 10 healthcare design projects for 2023
The HKS-designed Allegheny Health Network Wexford (Pa.) Hospital and Flad Architects' Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Venice (Fla.) highlight 10 projects to win 2023 Healthcare Design Awards from the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health.
Office Buildings | Aug 1, 2023
Creating a nurturing environment: The value of a mother’s room in the workplace
Since becoming an architect, Rebecca Martin of Design Collaborative has drawn a mother’s room into numerous projects. But it wasn't until she became a mom that she fully appreciated their importance in the workspace.
Digital Twin | Jul 31, 2023
Creating the foundation for a Digital Twin
Aligning the BIM model with the owner’s asset management system is the crucial first step in creating a Digital Twin. By following these guidelines, organizations can harness the power of Digital Twins to optimize facility management, maintenance planning, and decision-making throughout the building’s lifecycle.
K-12 Schools | Jul 31, 2023
Austin’s new Rosedale School serves students with special needs aged 3 to 22
In Austin, the Rosedale School has opened for students with special needs aged 3 to 22. The new facility features sensory rooms, fully accessible playgrounds and gardens, community meeting spaces, and an on-site clinic. The school serves 100 learners with special needs from across Austin Independent School District (ISD).
MFPRO+ New Projects | Jul 27, 2023
OMA, Beyer Blinder Belle design a pair of sculptural residential towers in Brooklyn
Eagle + West, composed of two sculptural residential towers with complementary shapes, have added 745 rental units to a post-industrial waterfront in Brooklyn, N.Y. Rising from a mixed-use podium on an expansive site, the towers include luxury penthouses on the top floors, numerous market rate rental units, and 30% of units designated for affordable housing.
Affordable Housing | Jul 27, 2023
Houston to soon have 50 new residential units for youth leaving foster care
Houston will soon have 50 new residential units for youth leaving the foster care system and entering adulthood. The Houston Alumni and Youth (HAY) Center has broken ground on its 59,000-sf campus, with completion expected by July 2024. The HAY Center is a nonprofit program of Harris County Resources for Children and Adults and for foster youth ages 14-25 transitioning to adulthood in the Houston community.
Hotel Facilities | Jul 27, 2023
U.S. hotel construction pipeline remains steady with 5,572 projects in the works
The hotel construction pipeline grew incrementally in Q2 2023 as developers and franchise companies push through short-term challenges while envisioning long-term prospects, according to Lodging Econometrics.
Sustainability | Jul 27, 2023
USGBC warns against building energy code preemptions, rollbacks
In a recent editorial, the USGBC cited a growing number of U.S. state legislators who are “aiming to roll back building energy code standards and/or preempt local governments from advancing energy-efficient building codes.”
Resiliency | Jul 27, 2023
'Underground climate change' can damage building foundations, civil infrastructure
A phenomenon known as “underground climate change” can lead to damage of building foundations and civil infrastructure, according to a researcher at Northwestern University. When the ground gets hotter, it can expand and contract, causing foundations to move and sometimes crack.
