ICS Builders, Inc. and BKSK Architects completed the new, $4.1-million, 10,600-sf Community of the Holy Spirit St. Hilda’s House convent building located in the Sugarhill section of Manhattan’s West Harlem neighborhood. ICS served CHS, a monastic community for women in the Episcopal Church, as general contractor. BKSK Architects LLP provided architectural and interior design for the new, environmentally friendly facility.
In addition to ICS Builders and BKSK Architects, the project team included structural engineer Weidlinger Associates Inc., MEP engineer Laszlo Bodak Engineer, P.C., lighting designer Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design, and landscaping consultant Dennis Gray Horticulture.
The facility's design highlights the inherent link between environmental consciousness and religious reverence. The architectural and construction team's design approach and construction practices reflected the resident nuns’ desire to connect more profoundly with the natural world and live in an environmentally responsible manner.
The building's elegant and understated architecture complements the surrounding urban, residential neighborhood. Interior spaces are designed to inspire quiet contemplation, both individually and collectively. Although the project was not submitted for LEED certification, it features a high number of cutting-edge, environmentally responsible design solutions, materials, and systems. BD+C
Related Stories
| Nov 14, 2012
USGBC's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo kicks off in San Francisco
7,000 members of the green building industry convene for opening plenary headlined by "Morning Joe" co-hosts Mika Brzezinksi and Joe Scarborough
| Nov 13, 2012
Have colleges + universities gone too far with "Quality of Life" buildings?
We'd like your input - recent projects, photo/s, renderings, and expert insight - on an important article we're working on for our Jan 2013 issue
| Nov 13, 2012
Turner Construction’s green building Market Barometer reveals new findings on green building and certification
Respondents indicated a widespread commitment to sustainable practices
| Nov 13, 2012
Soladigm announces new glass product, changes company name to View, Inc.
Glass is installed and operating at W San Francisco adjacent to the 2012 Greenbuild show
| Nov 13, 2012
Sto Corp. announces appointment of new CMO
Bottema will be responsible for all corporate marketing, product management and sales activities.
| Nov 13, 2012
2012 LEED for Homes Award recipients announced
USGBC recognizes excellence in the green residential building community at its Greenbuild Conference & Expo in San Francisco
| Nov 12, 2012
PCI Skanska celebrates 40-year anniversary
Since its creation, PCI Skanska has provided EPC services to clients for more than 40 years.
| Nov 12, 2012
AISC launches 'Night School' online educational program
The program's weekly webinar sessions offer structural engineers a great opportunity to enhance their professional development online while accommodating their schedules.
| Nov 11, 2012
Under40 Leadership Summit draws 71 young leaders to Chicago
More than 70 young—that is, under age 40—architects, engineers, and construction professionals descended on Chicago in early October with one thought in mind: to learn how to “create with clarity.”
| Nov 11, 2012
AIA: Building Envelope
Preventing and treating failure in glazed curtain wall systems. Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam.