This was the first of several phases for Flushing Commons. This project is mixed use with a 600-unit residential tower, 420,000 sf of commerical office and retail space, a 62,000 sf YMCA and 15,000 sf of community facility space, and a 1,600-car parking garage. It is a LEED v3 C+S project. Vidaris helped Rockefeller Group achieve 15.3% savings. Our scope included energy analysis for LEED, Energy Code and NYSERDA incentives. It was cofounded by NYSERDA’s NCP. We were under contract with Perkins Eastman, the Architect. LEED consulting was performed by Taitem Engineering.   Photo Credit: Copyright Andrew Rugge, Courtesy Perkins Eastman

The observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Center went under a 75 million dollar renovation from the original ocean liner theme of the deck. It is considered the best panoramic view in New York City because one can see the entire skyline including the Empire State Building. The observation is a popular New York tourist attraction. Its new entrance features a three-level atrium with a helical spiral stairway that introduces the idea of ascent. The centerpiece of the lobby is a cascading crystal chandelier, designed by the architects in collaboration with Swarovski. As an alternative to fencing or railings, the decks’ safety enclosures are cantilevered, 8.5 foot tall glass panels that are designed to be unobtrusive to the landmark Indiana limestone and cast-aluminum parapet. Vidaris has been involved on Top of the Rock off and on since 2003, and was recently active with inspecting the observation deck. Having also conducted Local Law 11/98 (FISP) inspections, consulted on the building’s window replacement and facade cleaning, and inspected terrace doors and glass screen panels, we are very familiar with the project and its existing conditions.

The Shed is part of the Hudson Yards development, the largest private real estate development in the history of the United States and the largest development in New York City since Rockefeller Center. The Shed is nested partially into the base of the residential 15 Hudson Yards and has been designed for flexibility and accommodation of a broad range of festival and artistic activities. It is composed of two spaces: The fixed building has galleries and performance spaces. A movable, expandable shed creates, as needed, either a completely enclosed, conditioned space for performances, or a semi-outdoor space. Vidaris has been collaborating with the design team and client since the Schematic Design phase, providing (a) LEED analyses, (b) energy modeling for LEED, (c) energy modeling to demonstrate compliance with the NYC Local Law 86 that requires 25% savings in regulated energy cost and (d) compliance with the NYC Energy Code. Vidaris has also performed analyses on moisture condensation for the entrance lobby. These analyses used a combination of Computation Fluid Dynamics and conductive heat transfer analysis. The building features numerous innovations in both the design process and actual design. For the process, modeling of a building with a movable section has been especially challenging. The major design innovation is the movable shed, with the challenges posed by enclosures and HVAC. The Shed takes advantage of Hudson Yards site-wide sustainability initiatives (landscape irrigation, access to open space, etc) and makes its own push for LEED-Gold. Heat island effects are reduced through reflective roofing and paving materials and water efficient fixtures such as high-efficiency toilets and pin-flush urinals. Stormwater collected from the roof and site will be reused for cooling tower makeup. The building will be highly efficient, estimated to save over 25% in regulated energy cost, and over 15% in total energy cost – the latter being a difficult achievement, given the constraints posed by a movable section, the large energy used by exhibit lighting and the energy used by performances that will be held in the movable portion (when deployed) . It will have a highly insulated envelope, transparent plastic “pillows” that admit daylight into the movable shed while ensuring a good insulating value, low density general lighting, daylight harvesting, and efficient chiller/boiler plant.

Vidaris collaborated closely with Renzo Piano Workshop, Cooper Robertson, and JBB to impart sustainable features to this remarkable museum. Vidaris performed LEED/Green consulting as well as Energy /CFD consulting for: LEED, Local Law 86, Energy Code compliance, NYSERDA incentives, and to forecast the effect on energy cost of alternative scheduling for opening to the public. Vidaris also performed Enhanced Commissioning, complementing JBB’s work on Fundamental Commissioning. The building is projected to use 25% less than code in regulated energy (exclusive of vertical transportation, plug loads and kitchen), and 24% lower overall energy use, that includes all energy uses. To meet the city’s high performance energy metric and to save energy, the building features highly insulated facades, clad in pale steel panels, and triple-pane glazing, efficient LED lighting, CO2 sensors with outdoor air modulation, airside and waterside economizer, high efficiency chillers and boilers, and a 75kW cogeneration engine. Captured storm water feeds the irrigation system and the cooling tower. In insulating the building’s billowing façade, Vidaris performed extensive CFD analyses to protect against moisture condensation within concealed cavities. Ultra-low emitting materials, enhanced outdoor air filtration and a building flush-out prior to occupancy insures both the occupants and artworks are protected from contaminants. Vidaris’ consulting was co-funded by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.   Photo Credit: Pavel Bendov Photography

Constructed in 1929, the museum underwent building-wide renovations to provide better facilities for the artwork, enhance visitor experience, and reduce environmental impact. The museum has gallery spaces, classrooms, and a shop. The renovations occurred over three phases, so the museum could remain open throughout construction. Indoor air quality was of special concern, both during construction and after. In addition to low-VOC materials, the project has increased outside air delivery, and improved filtration with MERV 13 filters. Testing confirmed the achievement of these goals. Water use reduction was another area of focus. Vidaris professionals also worked with the design team to increase energy efficiency. The building achieved 15% savings over ASHRAE 90.1-2004. Significant aspects include

• Efficient lighting
• Modulation of outside air based on occupancy, with enthalpy economizers
• Efficient, VSD chillers with waterside economizer

MoMA Tower will be another addition to the Manhattan skyline upon its completion. Designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel, the 1,050-foot supertall tower tapers to its 82nd floor with the exterior wall featuring triple pane glass windows, making it the tallest building of its kind with this window selection. 170 luxury residential condominiums fill most of the tower, occupying 442,357 square feet, while the Musuem of Modern Art will occupy floors two, four and five for gallery space, at a total of 36,000 square feet. The facade is made up on metal and glass, and has a diagonal grid.

Built in 1891, Carnegie Hall is both a national historic landmark and New York City landmark, and is one of America’s most prestigious concert halls. This building is one of the only remaining buildings in NYC constructed out of masonry without a steel frame. Vidaris provided both building envelope and sustainability consulting services, which included performing energy modeling and extensive green consulting in support of both environmental and LEED goals. Sustainable development was an important objective. The massive renovation created new spaces dedicated to music education on the existing upper floors of the building while also refurbishing backstage areas - including restoring all 450 existing windows - and creating a roof garden for nearly 50% of the roof. Other sustainability measures included selection of sustainably sourced materials with low VOC and measures for protection of indoor air quality. Energy conserving strategies focused on high-performance glazing (windows and skylights), high efficiency lighting, efficient fans and pumps and additional small chillers which run during times of low occupancy. Vidaris building envelope team inspected the entire building envelope and developed a comprehensive façade maintenance program for providing restoration repairs to the building’s masonry, terracotta, copper cornices and roof systems.

The Barclay Center is part of the Brooklyn’s Atlantic Yards 22-acre complex. The arena is the new home to the Nets Basketball team, and houses a running track and ice rink. The Center has 18,000 seats for basketball games, 19,000 seats for concerts, and 104 luxury suites. The Center’s frame is steel with structural precast seating bowl and a weathered steel rain screen facade.

Vidaris provided part time special inspection monitoring of the mock-up and shop fabrication of the exterior wall and full time monitoring of the field installation, for compliance with approved drawings and specifications.

The renovation of the New York City Center Theater restored the main theater to its original grandeur, while a dance and theater academy, scene shops, offices, dressing rooms, and employee spaces received modern makeovers.  Sightlines and restrooms in the main theater were revamped and improved. 

The project earned a LEED CI Silver rating, as well as complied with New York City Local Law 86, mandating green city-owned buildings with over 20% reduction in regulated energy cost.  The project includes advanced features such as low-flow water fixtures, a new HVAC systems and façade enhancements, allowing a 14% energy savings over a ASHRAE 90.1-2004 baseline.  Also, low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, and carpet, reduce the project’s contribution to smog and enhance the air quality within the building.