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
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2023
A prefab multifamily housing project will deliver 200 new apartments near downtown Denver
In Denver, Mortenson, a Colorado-based builder, developer, and engineering services provider, along with joint venture partner Pinnacle Partners, has broken ground on Revival on Platte, a multifamily housing project. The 234,156-sf development will feature 200 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments on eight floors, with two levels of parking.
Mass Timber | May 1, 2023
SOM designs mass timber climate solutions center on Governors Island, anchored by Stony Brook University
Governors Island in New York Harbor will be home to a new climate-solutions center called The New York Climate Exchange. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), The Exchange will develop and deploy solutions to the global climate crisis while also acting as a regional hub for the green economy. New York’s Stony Brook University will serve as the center’s anchor institution.
Market Data | May 1, 2023
AEC firm proposal activity rebounds in the first quarter of 2023: PSMJ report
Proposal activity for architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) firms increased significantly in the 1st Quarter of 2023, according to PSMJ’s Quarterly Market Forecast (QMF) survey. The predictive measure of the industry’s health rebounded to a net plus/minus index (NPMI) of 32.8 in the first three months of the year.
Sustainability | May 1, 2023
Increased focus on sustainability is good for business and attracting employees
A recent study, 2023 State of Design & Make by software developer Autodesk, contains some interesting takeaways for the design and construction industry. Respondents to a survey of industry leaders from the architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and entertainment spheres strongly support the idea that improving their organization’s sustainability practices is good for business.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2023
Hurricane Ian aftermath expected to prompt building code reform in Florida
Hurricane Ian struck the Southwest Florida coastline last fall with winds exceeding 150 mph, flooding cities, and devastating structures across the state. A construction risk management expert believes the projected economic damage, as high as $75 billion, will prompt the state to beef up building codes and reform land use rules.
| Apr 28, 2023
$1 billion mixed-use multifamily development will add 1,200 units to South Florida market
A giant $1 billion residential project, The District in Davie, will bring 1.6 million sf of new Class A residential apartments to the hot South Florida market. Located near Ft. Lauderdale and greater Miami, the development will include 36,000 sf of restaurants and retail space. The development will also provide 1.1 million sf of access controlled onsite parking with 2,650 parking spaces.
Architects | Apr 27, 2023
Blind Ambition: Insights from a blind architect on universal design
Blind architect Chris Downey shares his message to designers that universal design goes much further than simply meeting a code to make everything accessible.
Design Innovation Report | Apr 27, 2023
BD+C's 2023 Design Innovation Report
Building Design+Construction’s Design Innovation Report presents projects, spaces, and initiatives—and the AEC professionals behind them—that push the boundaries of building design. This year, we feature four novel projects and one building science innovation.
Mixed-Use | Apr 27, 2023
New Jersey turns a brownfield site into Steel Tech, a 3.3-acre mixed-use development
In Jersey City, N.J., a 3.3-acre redevelopment project called Steel Tech will turn a brownfield site into a mixed-use residential high-rise building, a community center, two public plazas, and a business incubator facility. Steel Tech received site plan approval in recent weeks.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 27, 2023
Watch: Specifying materials in multifamily housing projects
A trio of multifamily housing experts discusses trends in materials in their latest developments. Topics include the need to balance aesthetics and durability, the advantages of textured materials, and the benefits of biophilia.
