(Robert E. Ikes, III, R.A., LEED AP, CDT, CEO with his ACEC plaque.)
MELVILLE, NY —
The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC NY) hosted their 51st annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala on April 7, 2018 at the Hilton Midtown in New York City.
Awards were presented to projects that encompass both the public and private sector in the following categories: studies, research, and consulting services; building/technology systems; structural systems; surveying and mapping technology; environmental; waste and storm water; water resources; transportation; energy; industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities; and special projects. Submitted projects are judged on rigorous set of criteria including complexity, innovation, and value to society. The projects are then granted either a Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Award.
H2M architect + engineers (H2M) submitted a total of eight projects this year and proudly received a Gold Award for their New BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir of Melville project.
Due to the growing Hindu community on Long Island, there was a need for a more local Mandir. H2M designed and constructed a new 42,000 square foot, two story community facility (Hindu Cultural and Spiritual Center) located in Melville on Long Island for the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan) Development team.
The design and construction of the building needed to accommodate the installation of traditional Hindu architectural elements. This coordination was challenging and especially important because all decorative façade detailing on the exterior of the building is a fiberglass reinforced product fabricated in India and then shipped to Melville. The most unique feature may be the hand carved, solid wood doors and indoor shrine. Both crafted by locals in India to bring an authentic feel to the Center.
In addition to keeping with tradition, H2M worked to incorporate sustainable features into the design and construction of BAPS. With in-floor radiant heating, tankless water heaters, high efficacy lighting, and a robust thermal envelope, the building’s operating costs will remain manageable. Add to this the weather and temperature resistant fiberglass moldings and a full masonry exterior, and the long-term durability expected to span a century is certain.
Upon initial entrance into the building, the large reception and welcome area is flooded with natural light by means of two large glass pyramids integrated into the roof design. This provides a visual connection to exterior mandir spires. Other rooms within the building include the main sanctuary, the main assembly hall with a performance stage, and administrative space, educational rooms, a gymnasium, a full commercial kitchen, a book store, and a monastery.
H2M is honored to have attended such a distinguished event and to have been recognized with such a prestigious award.
ACEC New York is a proactive coalition of 270 firms representing every discipline of engineering related to the built environment — civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, geotechnical — and affiliated companies. Their shared goals are to further the business interests of their membership, enhance the quality and safety of the environment we all live and work in, and help ensure the vitality of our communities. For more information, visit www.acecny.org.
Celebrating 85 years, H2M is a full-service consulting and design firm offering the expertise of more than 390 architects, engineers (water supply, civil/site, structural, M/E/P, wastewater and environmental), planners, designers, inspectors, surveyors and scientists. H2M is proud of its long history of client service and consistent ability to meet architectural, engineering, and environmental challenges head on. H2M offers a practical approach, with creative results.
