(Frank Smith, AIA, of H2M architects + engineers with the ACEC NY award-winning panel for Our Lady of Sorrows RC Church.)
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 architects + engineers (H2M) submitted a total of eight projects this year and proudly received a Gold Award for their work on Our Lady of Sorrows RC Church in Corona, New York.
In January of 2015, Our Lady of Sorrows RC Church underwent a devastating fire. The church, originally built in the 1800s, suffered extensive damage to its ceiling, roof, floors, walls, stained glass, and altar. The large congregation dictated that the church be rebuilt with considerations for the next century. H2M performed architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection engineering services.
In order to conserve the integrity of the sanctuary, beam smoke detectors were installed to limit the amount of devices needed to be installed on the high ceilings. Beam smoke detectors utilize an optical beam to detect smoke, and can be installed on the walls and spaced further apart to lessen the number of devices required throughout a space. H2M also utilized floor outlets throughout the church seating area to deliver air conditioning and ventilation air to the space. In addition, all the lights in the sanctuary were provided with an extensive LUTRON control system, allowing for pre-set scene lighting, individual controls, and automatic controlling of all of the lights in the sanctuary. Wireless technology was utilized for the lights to again avoid the installation of unsightly features.
While designing this project, H2M made a conscious effort for social and economic sustainability. They understood the importance of the congregation having a religious experience without distraction. At the same time, H2M wanted the people to be comfortable during their experience. The new floor air supply system provides improved occupant comfort through the supply of cool, fresh air directly to the breathing zone, minimizing any impact on aesthetics of the architectural design of the building. Providing a floor air supply system was also an economic move. With such a system, there are opportunities to for extended economizer operation, which can provide a cost savings to the owner. Furthermore, the slate roof will last at least 100 years, and LEDs should last up to 10 years.
H2M provided the church with long term durability; technologically and structurally. The hope is people recognize the implementation of the newest technology, while also taking into account the ambience that should be associated with this type of building.
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.
