July 19, 2013
By engaging Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the foremost experts on daylight, and with financial assistance New York State Energy Research and Development Authority( NYSERDA), The New York Times Co was able to create a very advanced dimmable lighting system and dynamic shading system with real saving of 50%. The lighting system is the first of its kind in the world. By use daylight harvesting, it maximizes use of natural light so that electric lighting is used just as a supplement. Each of the more than 18,000 electrical ballasts (a the amount of current flowing in as electric circuit)in the lighting system contain a computer chip that allows it to be controlled individually. this means that lighting levels can be adjusted to meet the needs of different spaces operating at maximum efficiency with varying levels of light.
The shading system is programmed to use the position of sum and input from an extensive sensor network to act as determinants to raise and lower shades, either blocking extreme light to reduce glare or allowing light to enter at times of less direct sunlight. The Daylight and shading system work in connect to ensure that the building efficiently uses natural light whenever possible.
This is the first time this type of double-skinned curtain wall has ever been used. By deflecting the heat, the double curtain wall allow use- of floor-to-ceiling ultra-clear glass that maximizes views and light for occupants of building while allowing people outside the building to see the moments within. The ceramic rods also enhance the design by gently reflecting light and color change throughout the day.
March 12, 2013
The Sun Works Center for Environmental Studies at the Manhattan School for Children [PS333] is the flagship Greenhouse Project Science Laboratory and serves over 700 Kindergarten through 8th grade students, in addition to training educators from around the city, the region, and the world. The greenhouse laboratory operates as an integrated part of the school’s curricula and prepares children to exceed New York City’s science standards.
The lab accommodates up to 35 kids and is available every day of the school year. Students experience science through interactive technologies such as hydroponic vegetable farming, solar panels, a rainwater catchment system, a weather station, worm composting, and a kitchen corner.
Manhattan School for Children is a school of choice open to children zoned to district 3 and serves 700 students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and physical abilities. Manhattan School for Children (PS 333) is a mentor for the New York City Department of Education’s collaborative community and is dedicated to progressive, child-centered education.
A cost-effective public / private partnership between the school, parents, and outside funders, the greenhouse classroom has been built directly on an existing 3rd floor roof with only minor modifications to the building. As the first rooftop environmental science lab in a New York City public school, the greenhouse will grow 8,000 pounds of produce annually.
February 10, 2013
The Ice house is a residential conversion of a previously vacant building originally built in the 1880’s as the Ice house for the Nassau Brewery. The building currently has six rental apartments and one artist space that were completed in 2004. The building has a 7kw net metered, roof integrated solar array on the roof, radiant heating throughout the building and two extensive green roof areas. During construction salvaged bricks and wood and interior doors were used exclusively as well as a high concentration flyash mixture for all concrete applications. All of the bathroom fixtures were salvaged (excluding the toilets) and all of the appliances are energy star.
