Updates

Among AENA's sustainable project objectives is an effort to find ways to reduce energy consumption in all newly designed spaces within both new buildings and renovations. We are also committed to achieving a high level of energy efficiency within currently existing spaces through the use of innovative strategies. By far, one of the greatest energy loads that most buildings possess is their heating & air conditioning equipment. With this in mind, we looked closely at of one our client's existing HVAC systems serving both office and retail spaces in mid-town Manhattan as part of a long term plan to increase the facilities energy efficiency. Through the use of heat exchangers (HEX) we found a unique approach to reduce energy consumption without replacing existing equipment or altering the existing spaces in any way.

A heat exchanger can be described as a device that allows the thermal energy of one element to be transferred to another. A hot water baseboard is a simple example of an HEX at work. The heat which travels within the hot water piping, is transferred through the baseboard element, which in turn is transferred into the space. The baseboard becomes a medium by which heat is taken from one 'space' and is brought into another.

Since domestic hot water production is a year round demand for our client, we decided to tackle this need with our HEX project. During the wintertime, the steam's thermal energy is captured in a shell & tube type HEX and is used to pre-heat the water going into our client's domestic hot water heaters. This HEX was efficiently installed in the steam room and required few pipe modifications.

During the summertime, a similar installation occurs in one of the mechanical rooms when the HVAC compressors are running. A discharge line on an air conditioning compressor can get hot enough to boil water. The compressor's discharge line is re-routed within refrigerant piping through a flat plate type HEX to transfer this heat onto the domestic hot water piping. The refrigerant and the water never mix just as in the steam room's shell & tube HEX, the steam and water never mix.

Our client's building like many office buildings has a high occupant load during the day that necessitates the use of HVAC equipment to the point that it often overlaps into the heating season. Therefore the installation of both of these heat exchangers, allows the building to nearly satisfy its domestic hot water needs. This approach allows us to use the same energy twice.

Since each AENA project not only receives a thorough design review but a financial feasibility review as well; we began this study by documenting the building's hot water demand through the installation of sub-meters. This 'energy load' data was used in our energy modeling software to calculate the expected energy consumption after the HEX installations, which in turn helped us ascertain the project's payback period for the building owner. Energy models are an important aspect of the energy retrofits we have performed. We also have experience working with NYSERDA and other government agencies that provide funding for energy investments. By concentrating on cost saving initiatives and researching tax credits, incentives and creative financing, we have been able to minimize our clients expenditures while maximizing their return on investment.

AENA is available to review any facility in order to determine sensible long term sustainable strategies for implementation over time as budget, financing options, and project circumstances allow.
 

The New Practices New York 2010 Portfolio Competition is sponsored by the AIA New York Chapter to review the portfolios of emerging New York City based firms. AENA was proud to present our work for recognition at the biennial competition. As a platform the competition served to recognize and promote new, innovative, and emerging architecture firms that have utilized unique and commendable strategies in the projects they undertake and the practices they have established. This competition is distinguished from others in that attention is focused on how the winning firms' practices have been uniquely shaped to better facilitate and exploit the type of projects they undertake.

AENA is a collaborative based firm that practices fully integrated design. Our design studio is structured to facilitate communication and promote sharing of ideas from diverse areas of expertise and varying viewpoints. We work in an open studio environment that encourages interaction between designers and experienced trade professionals to produce innovative design work that incorporates analysis at many levels. Our design process inherently challenges standard solutions and quickly reveals false assumptions through thorough examination of our proposals that emphasize good design and technical innovation. Design solutions are vetted with multiple reviews by design and trade experts drawing on work previously completed as well as wide-ranging analysis of site specific conditions. Internal competitions are used as a source of new design solution along with extensive research of precedents, new materials, and construction techniques. Due to our integrated approach to project delivery, we provide internal resources with a broad range of specific expertise that allow informed design and cost decisions to be made while providing the opportunity for innovative solutions.

AENA's critical practice evolved from the commitment of our dynamic and experienced team to fully understand design, construction, and financial parameters of each project allowing us to value particular project constraints by developing design solutions that are cost effective. Our integrated approach to project delivery was derived in an effort to better control the design process in order to elevate the quality of completed work. Since design is often based on field conditions and close understanding of costs incurred, our team is able to channel expenditures in the most beneficial manner for each project. We base our decisions on long term environmental impacts following the firm belief that green design provides long term sustainable cost benefits and reinforces positive human interaction. We find that the public review processes has influenced our design approach due to ever increasing requirements for input by a broad base of constituents and governmental authorities having jurisdiction. We focus our design process as it is shaped by input from outside influences. Our high level of design customization and innovation is achieved through our integrated project delivery which provides flexibility in design decision making, selection of materials, and scheduling advantages.

We focus on maintaining close client relationships by emphasizing our broad range of services and diverse project experience. Project selection is based on understanding the client objectives through our experience and our ability to provide the needed services in an effective manner. We do not offer services in areas where our focus does not contribute to our strengths or risks a successful outcome.

AENA was founded as an architectural firm by dynamic and experienced group of skilled and enthusiastic professionals. The multicultural background of our team has influenced the nature of our practice and continues to provide insight to our design approach. The studio is based on the concept of the mobile office, with work taking place in multiple locations that are linked electronically. This allows design solutions to be developed directly in the field or at our workshop during construction activities. We utilize digital media and traditional sketching and modeling techniques to produce design solutions. Our hands-on process differs from traditional bidding and negotiation allowing unique collaboration and partnerships. The use of full scale mock-ups and diverse sourcing of materials leads to alternative design solutions based on available materials and practical construction methods that contribute to our community and environmental goals.

As part of our design services AENA has always carefully considered the historic context of our project sites. Whether located within a historic district or part of an existing structure or adjacency that merited special consideration, we seek to design and build projects that are sympathetic to the existing context while addressing modern aesthetic sensibilities and maintenance concerns. Among our completed projects are a number of historically sensitive renovations of brownstones and apartment buildings as well as commercial and institutional structures. Our current work includes the restoration of 44 Beaver Street a 97,596 square foot office building in lower Manhattan for the City of New York as well as the restoration of a landmarked brownstone in Harlem for a private client.

Our Harlem project is located on the south side of Marcus Garvey Park (the former Mount Morris Park). In order to win approval for the renovation of this historic Queen Ann style row house built in 1886, AENA was commissioned to obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission for the conversion of this unique property. The public approvals process was lengthy despite the proposal of modest modifications to the building’s Landmarked exterior. AENA led the successful approvals process by appearing in front of the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association and Community Board 10 prior to presenting to the full Landmarks Preservation Commission.

By working with staff and commission members, AENA was able to win approval from all the agencies having jurisdiction over the project including the NYC Building Department of Buildings, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection as well as procuring special permits from the NYC Department of Transportation and the NYC Housing Preservation Commission. This project sought and won approval for an addition to the rear of the property that was both innovative and sympathetic to the historic context while not being historicist or imitating surrounding structures. The addition provided users with modern amenities in spaces filled with natural light and connected the interiors to the well landscaped rear yard. Upon permit approval AENA completed the facade restoration of the building as part of our design-build services complying with all Landmarks requirements for quality assurance by working with staff during construction to proved all necessary samples and project documentation.

As part of our design, expediting, and design-build services, AENA is capable of understanding the most cost effective way to restore or maintain the facades of existing buildings or design a new façade for any structure while seeking all required approvals for permitting or providing certified reports that may be needed for compliance with NYC Local Laws.

Our extensive experience in the restoration and adaptive re-use of historic properties in combination with our hands-on design-build approach allows us to fully restore noteworthy buildings in a cost effective manner while adding both value and reducing future maintenance to the renovated areas. Our work to restore residential structures of a modest scale along with large commercial buildings that have involved complex restoration techniques allows us to successfully restore or provide maintenance consulting services on any building type.

 

As part of the sustainable design-build condominium project AENA is completing on 120th Street across from Marcus Garvey Park, we are proceeding with the installation of mechanical systems that were designed to meet LEED Gold certification. AENA used our sustainable design-build development model to perform the design, the construction and the LEED certification of these condos. Utilizing efficient equipment and checking our assumptions with an energy model, we have been able to receive energy rebates through the NYSERDA program, in addition to delivering a sustainable design that will realize energy savings throughout the lifecycle of the building.

One piece of equipment that assisted in creating a high efficiency, sustainable building was the Baxi Luna 380. These on demand boilers and hot water heating systems are one of the innovative pieces of equipment that highlight the advantages of our Sustainable Design Build Development Service. Unlike traditional architecture firms, AENA’s staff of architects and designers worked alongside our MEP engineers and installers from the project’s inception to develop workable sustainable mechanical systems for the project.. Once it was decided that the project would be LEED certified, the AENA team brought their experience and knowledge along with a company wide focus on sustainability to develop a number of ideas that would help create a LEED certified and efficient project.

By using our Design Build project delivery method, construction was able to commence before the design was finalized. A permit set was developed for approvals and work started almost immediately. As construction progressed the design was developed for site conditions and the specifications were finalized. Developing the design during construction allowed a close collaboration between the designers, the installers and the equipment manufacturers. Additionally, the ability to research the design’s specifications while not delaying construction gave AENA’s team of architects, designers, and MEP engineers more time to research and select equipment for the project that integrated the sustainable design goals, with the budget and schedule of the project.

High Efficiency boilers will be installed in every unit as well as the common area so as to provide individual controls for each owner to heat the space as well as provide hot water. The Baxi was chosen for this application for a number of reasons. The most important being its condensing nature. A condensing boiler captures the latent heat from the fuel burning process and allows it to reuse latent energy towards heating the space, instead of sending out the chimney. This 'second' pass, is what helps the boiler achieve its 98% AFUE rating. This high efficiency rating has a direct impact on the energy model; and makes it eligible for NYSERDA incentives. To take advantage of their efficiency, AENA fabricated a custom cabinet in our millwork shop to house the boiler, providing more usable space in the apartment while allowing maintenance access for the units.

The Baxi units emit 90% less carbon monoxide, and 80% less nitrogen, allowing utility bills and green house emissions to be cut in half while providing endless hot water on demand. AENA's integrated approach allows a high level of energy efficient design and innovation while implementing cost effective solutions for all our sustainable design-build projects. Our team based approach provides clients with the best design solutions in the most cost effective manner whether we provide traditional design services or utilize our sustainable design-build project delivery method.
 

Local Law 52, better known as the Bicycle Access Plan, was recently adopted to increase bicycle commuting by providing cyclists the opportunity to securely park their bicycles in the workplace or other designated areas. This plan benefits both the individual cyclists and the city at large. On an individual level, the law facilitates a healthy and active lifestyle and supports a cost-free commuting option. On a citywide level, by encouraging everyday commuter cycling, the law supports a carbon free mode of transportation and helps alleviate overcrowding on the city’s public transit system.

As part of the sustainable design build services AENA offers our clients, we completed an assessment report for an office building in Manhattan for this recently implemented law. The Bicycle Access Plan was signed into Law on August 13, 2009 by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, took effect on December 11, 2009, and applies to buildings where the main occupancy is offices. After preparing the report, AENA submitted the assessment for our client to the New York City Department of Transportation for approval prior to preparing permit application drawings for the NYC Department of Buildings.

Since AENA had previously provided various design and sustainability services for this client at this location, we understood the long term goals of the facility and studied solutions that complemented and enhanced those strategies. Most recently, we had provided evaluation and expediting services to prepare Local Law 11 filings and completed an Emergency Action Plan pursuant to the requirements of the Fire Department Rule 3 of RCNY Section 6-01. As with our previous work, AENA was able to quickly find a cost effective solution for compliance with the new Bicycle Access Plan and provide a real amenity to the building occupants.

In addition providing design services to commercial buildings owners, we have been able to implement sensible energy saving improvements for our clients to improve the sustainability of existing buildings and plan for future construction. Our ability to design, expedite, and carry any project through construction allows us to help clients realize complicated building improvements, whether for sustainability or changing user and market demands.

AENA is able to provide our clients the full spectrum of services required for the long term sustainable upgrades that result in real cost benefits. We have the design, expediting, and construction knowledge to implement ever changing government requirements and take advantage of public grants and tax incentives. Our staff is knowledgeable in current rebate programs and upcoming requirements for energy compliance. We believe that by fully understanding the approval process we can provide integrated services in an efficient manner by bringing schedule and cost efficiencies to the design and construction process for our clients.

AENA recently completed the regional office for Unlimited Care Inc., in Middletown, NY. This project included new construction to complete an addition to the existing one story office and retail building, renovation of interior spaces for the new uses, and landscape alterations to create common outdoor areas. AENA obtained all required approvals for the project including a complicated Planning Board and Building Department review process by providing all architectural, engineering, and landscape design as well as comprehensive design-build services.

The project was completed using a Cost Plus delivery method. This model accelerates the project by starting multiple facets of the projects simultaneously.

In our cost-plus method the customer is charged directly for the real costs of labor and material incurred in the project without other mark-ups. While AENA develops a timeline and a budget to assess the project, we do not bid or provide a fixed cost for construction. The customer gets cost savings because they do not incur any contingencies, cushion, or overhead that normally increases a bid number. The client also avoids costly errors in communication between the design and construction team and never sees a change order unless the scope of the project is truly changed. There are many other savings such as the time and cost in preparing the bid itself, reduction in managerial and accounting tasks, and elimination of the submittal and substitution process, making the project delivery efficient and without redundant costs. The project schedule is accelerated because the job is able to begin construction while design is still underway, thereby reducing carrying costs. AENA has the unique capabilities as a design-build firm to utilize expeditors, architects, and construction personnel during all phases of the design and construction process. We finalize the design and begin construction immediately after obtaining a permit, utilizing our integrated expediting services. Detailed project documentation is completed while construction is underway to save time. Unexpected field conditions are handled within budget by design solutions that have design and field personnel working together to find the best solution for unexpected conditions. The comprehensive cost savings of this delivery method are substantial. In a typical cost-plus design-build project, the entire project including all design, approvals, and construction is typically completed for 33% less then average renovation construction costs. This provides the clients who utilize these services with substantial savings as well as expedited delivery of their project. We believe this delivery method is truly the most cost effective way to complete any project while providing the same high level of design as other delivery methods.

Cost Plus Advantages:
• Efficiency Of Design And Construction
• Accelerated Scheduling
• Lower Overhead Costs
• No Mark-Up Or Cushion In Pricing
• Increased Communication

AENA is capable of completing any project requirement and is a full service expert that can handle every aspect of the project. In the unique development project we completed for this client, AENA utilized a cost-plus delivery method along with our normal development services. By combining our cost-plus design-build model with our development services, AENA developed a partnership with this client throughout the lifespan of the project and beyond. As with any cost-plus project, there was no time wasted on negotiating a bid or change orders, and AENA became a true partner and advocate for the client in the project from the first design meeting through final touch-up.
 

AENA is proud to present the entry for the 2009 urbanSHED International Design Competition. The goal of the competition was to challenge the design community to create a new standard for sidewalk shed design and develop a prototype for New York City.

AENA presented HxShed, a scheme based on a modular system composed of structural cast cells that are easily transported and quickly and economically assembled onsite. The pre-fabricated nature of the Hxshed makes the design of the shed flexible and allows for multiple configurations that are site specific. The cell configuration is reinforced by a secondary structural system that is built with composite planks and supports the vertical loads of the shed and also protects pedestrians from possible construction debris.

The selection of sustainable graffiti resistant materials for the cells allowed the design of a system that maximizes natural lighting and avoids waste and excessive energy usage while in place. The underlying beehive structural organization provides nature inspired strength and durability while allowing replacement or reconfiguration of individual cells without undermining the structure as a whole.

Natural light is used to illuminate the shed during daylight hours through the plank and open cell system but when natural illumination levels drop an artificial source located within the protective deck of the shed is activated and provides lighting through an integrated illumination system. Signage was also incorporated within the cell and plank system to allow lighted designation of property addresses and business names the shed obscures. Once disassembled, the shed components can be reconfigured and re-assembled in other locations without any wasted material or temporary shoring.

In order to help green the city, AENA created planted elements within the structural cells to enhance the pedestrian experience and foster an improved urban environment for those that utilize our public infrastructure. Enhancing quality of life in the City and achieving sustainability goals were the primary design principals behind our proposal. Our modular approach allowed a practical and economical solution that could be assembled in varied site conditions and re-used to achieve the goals we established for our submission and that we apply to all of our work.
 

AENA was approached by North American Design Magazine to be featured in a project focus article highlighting our innovative design method. The following re-print of the article was published in the fall 2009 issue of the magazine.

Authentic Innovation
AENA Corporation’s full spectrum of services gives it a competitive advantage.
By Genevieve Diesing

To many, ‘innovation’ may be just a design industry buzzword, but to AEN Architects Principal Alex Nussbaumer, the concept can be weighty. “You can’t truly innovate if you don’t understand the entire process of building and design,” he says. “Only by understanding the process can you efficiently propose innovative design solutions.”

In Nussbaumer’s estimation, AENA truly understands this. The company has a grip on both the intricacies of architectural design and the technical complexities of structural and mechanical design, giving it a holistic view of the entire design process.

This view distinguishes it as a genuine innovator in its field, Nussbaumer explains. Now in its 15th year, this New York City based architecture, interiors, planning, design/build firm says the synergy that occurs every day in its offices is a direct result of having a full spectrum of specialties in-house, an asset it says most of the competition can’t measure up to. This empowers AENA personnel to continuously make the most effective and creative design and technical decisions on clients’ behalf, he notes.

“There is a lot of cross-feeding of information [between staff] because we do design/build and we have engineers right in the same studio with architects,” Nussbaumer notes. “It’s a very steady and productive transfer of information on projects. It makes it easier to implement new types of design solutions because you have the expertise in-house to really understand and execute new and innovative building strategies.”

AENA is working on a condominium project called Condos on 126th Street in Harlem, N.Y., and another condominium project called Garvey Park Condos, on 120th St. They are designed to LEED gold and silver levels, respectively. “We’ve been able to employ some sustainable strategies in terms of HVAC systems, gray-water systems, solar panels and innovative use of heating systems,” Nussbaumer says. “Because of our design process, and the level of communication among the design disciplines and trades, we can implement sustainable concepts without adding as much cost to the project compared with other firms.”

Practical design and cost-control are critical parts of AENA’s design philosophy, and it achieves them through effective communication. “When we do design/build, we can have the tradesmen that are going to execute the project in the room when we are doing the design,” he explains. “Because we’re using an integrated approach, we can cut out a certain level of documentation and a certain amount of time.

“That ability to quickly understand design from the implementation side and conquer problems and hurdles – it’s a huge benefit,” Nussbaumer adds.

Permanent Niche
AENA’s staff is its biggest asset, so it takes time to train it properly. “Once we decide on hiring someone, we pair them with a senior project manager so they understand the ways that we work,” Nussbaumer says. “Once they are trained in the ways we do design, they are allowed to manage their own project. We do place an emphasis on keeping everyone on track to manage and design their own projects.”
 

AENA is proud to announce the completion of a large high end apartment renovation for one of our valued repeat clients. The apartment is located in the beautiful Riverside Drive neighborhood of Manhattan. We have been fortunate to work with the owners of this very special renovation in several capacities that highlight some of the unique services we offer all of our clients. AENA provided development services for a previous renovation for this same client. As part of our development service AENA partners with developers or property owners who would like to design a new building or renovate an existing property. Some of our past clients have been commercial building owners looking to convert existing spaces for greater income, long time property owners wanting to renovate part or all of their building to upgrade their asset in the marketplace, or developers working on complicated projects for sale or lease. For these clients AENA provides all the needed services and expertise so that our client can be involved as little or as much as they are comfortable with to complete the project. Clients can be passive investors or active participants in the development process.

The apartment renovation pictured here was delivered by a cost-plus delivery method, another advantage AENA offers our preferred clients. In our cost-plus method the customer is charged directly for the real costs of labor and material incurred in the project without other mark-ups. While AENA develops a timeline and a budget to assess the project, we do not bid or provide a fixed cost for construction. The customer gets cost savings because they do not have to pay any contingencies, cushion, or overhead that normally increases a bid number. The client also avoids costly errors in communication between the design and construction team and never sees a change order unless the scope of the project is truly changed. There are many other savings such as the time and cost in preparing the bid itself, reduction in managerial and accounting tasks, and elimination of the submittal and substitution process, making the project delivery efficient and without redundant costs. The project schedule is accelerated because the job is able to begin construction while design is still underway, thereby reducing carrying costs. AENA has the unique capabilities as a design-build firm to utilize expeditors, architects, and construction personnel during all phases of the design and construction process. We finalize the design and begin construction immediately after obtaining a permit, utilizing our integrated expediting services. Construction documentation is completed while the construction has already started and is progressing to save time. Unexpected field conditions are handled within budget by design solutions that have design and field personnel working together to find the best solution for unexpected conditions. All told, the cost savings of this delivery method are substantial. In a typical cost-plus design-build Project, the entire project including all design, approvals, and construction is typically completed for 33% less then average renovation construction costs in New York City. This provides the clients who utilize these services with substantial savings as well as expedited delivery of their project. We believe this delivery method is truly the most cost effective way to complete any project while providing the same high level of design as other delivery methods.

Cost Plus Advantages:
• Efficiency Of Design And Construction
• Accelerated Scheduling
• Lower Overhead Costs
• No Mark-Up Or Cushion In Pricing
• Increased Communication

AENA is capable of completing any project requirement and is a full service expert that can handle every aspect of the project. In the unique development project we completed for this client, AENA utilized a cost-plus delivery method along with our normal development services. By combining our cost-plus design-build model with our development services, AENA developed a partnership with this client throughout the lifespan of the project and beyond. As with any cost-plus project, there was no time wasted on negotiating a bid or change orders, and AENA became a true partner and advocate for the client in the project from the first design meeting through final touch-up.

AENA recently completed the renovation of a large Loft located within the Tribeca historic district. The scope of the work consisted of converting an open Loft into a high-end one bedroom apartment.

We worked closely with the client to produce a cost effective renovation that embodied the desired aesthetics for the space and was in keeping with the landmarked building. By offering the client a design-build project delivery model, AENA was able to provide the client with all design, construction and expediting services necessary to complete the project and furthermore give the client a single point of accountability for progress and workmanship.

The Loft renovation was situated within a historic district and subject to Loft Board Control and Co-op Board Approval. The complexities of this type of project required careful multiple steps to facilitate the approval process and clearly shows the strengths of the integrated approach provided by AENA in executing the design and construction.

The proposed design worked within the context of the historic warehouse and maintained the open loft feel while providing ample storage for the client’s use. Following pre-design meetings the client was presented with a variety of schemes and materials options. The selected design included raising the ceiling height throughout the apartment by exposing the original building joists and introduced custom built millwork made of mahogany that complimented the existing wood beams, columns, and flooring.

Curved elements were introduced to facilitate the flow between public and private areas and permitted the creative configuration of the bedroom. Translucent features where added to these curves so natural light and ventilation could enter the living room and kitchen while maintaining the privacy of the adjacent spaces.

Additionally, an en-suite bathroom with laundry area was added to the design and ceramic tiles were custom fitted to the curvature and accented with concealed lighting. The open kitchen presents a unique island that was manufactured on site and provides the space with an area for entertaining guests. High efficiency appliances and fixtures were installed throughout the apartment in order to reduce energy use and consequently minimize the client’s utility costs.

As part of the renovation efforts the electrical systems, wiring and most of the plumbing was upgraded and or replaced in this historic property to meet the current standards of the Building Code of the City of New York.
 

As part of the sustainable services AENA offers our clients, we incorporate sustainable cost saving measures in to each of our projects, including new buildings, renovations, and energy efficiency upgrades. A key aspect of these sustainable costs saving measures, is our experience with the innovative programs funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA.

NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation that was created in 1975 and is primarily funded by state rate payers. Every customer of Con Edison pays a small amount each month to the System Benefits Charge/Renewable Portfolio Standard that funds NYSERDA. This money is available to help finance and subsidize any upgrades Con Edison customers make to their existing property or new construction that reduce electrical or gas consumption. An added benefit of working with AENA for your NYSERDA upgrade is that our Design Build Model keeps costs low and expedites the process. In addition we have the capabilities to develop an energy model which projects the energy and cost savings of the upgrades.

AENA has worked with our clients to obtain financing and credits for LEED certification and energy efficient equipment upgrades for both new construction and renovations. These upgrades provide our customers with increased property values and lower operating costs. The cost savings produced by those upgrades in conjunction with the NYSERDA funding reduces pay back periods and makes green building more affordable.

Our capability as a design build firm reduces installation cost and scheduling time. We are able to design and install equipment as part of new construction, a renovation, or independently, that will improve your facility and reduce your energy use. Our Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing tradesman are brought in to the design process early in order to select the equipment that is right for the project and eligible for NYSERDA credits. By having all the designers, technicians, and installers under the same roof AENA is able to design and install the equipment more quickly then other firms that separate the design and construction process. This lessens installation time and reduces overhead costs associated with the project.

Once the equipment and design have been specified an Energy Model is created which will show the energy and cost savings that can be expected from the planned upgrades. The model has the ability to incorporate all planned upgrades showing how much better the building will perform then a standard building that does not have the energy efficient upgrades. This tool allows the customer to adjust their expenses allocated to utilities and after understanding the cost savings associated with the project adjust their budget and investment timeline accordingly.

AENA has the experience, knowledge and personnel to make any renovation or new construction energy efficient and LEED certified within your budget. Please call or email us for more information.

AENA has just launched our updated website and wanted to invite our clients and business community to visit us at aenac.com. As part of the changes, we created an Updates Section that will provide information on what we are working on and our observations on the real estate market and the construction industry.

For our first installment we wanted to review our Sustainability Service and the new green awareness that is overtaking the industry. Over the past year we have done a lot of work on LEED certified buildings and retrofitting existing buildings to increase their energy efficiency. AENA is uniquely suited for this work due to the LEED Accredited Professionals that we have on staff. Our Accredited Professionals help decide which LEED credits are most advantageous to attempt from a cost and design perspective and work on the certification of the building. As part of LEED we also do all the energy modeling required which enables us to show our clients the anticipated cost savings due to energy upgrade investments.

Energy models are an important aspect of the energy retrofits we have performed. By modeling potential efficiency upgrades we can determine how long it will take our customers to make their money back and which investments have the greatest effect on their bottom line. We also have experience working with NYSERDA and other government agencies that provide funding for energy investments. By concentrating on cost saving initiatives and researching tax credits, incentives and creative financing, we have been able to minimize our clients expenditures while maximizing their return on investment. By analyzing and improving inefficient electrical installations and HVAC systems, increasing overall building insulation, installing highly efficient windows or façades, and by innovative technologies that use excess heat to warm the building and its water, in addition to educating building users, we are able to lower monthly utility bills by 20-30%. Clients then have the option to reinvest these savings into more capital intensive renovations, such as solar panels and or cogeneration units that will create electricity for the appropriate facilities. These investments will further decrease the projects utility costs and increase its profitability while decreasing its effect on the surrounding environment.

Producing environmentally friendly buildings is not only good for the environment but a good investment. Environmentally designed buildings not only reduce operating costs, but are more valuable because of improved comfort that leads to higher leasable value and sales price.

“According to a CoStar study, LEED buildings command rent premiums of $11.33 per square foot over their non-LEED peers and have 4.1 percent higher occupancy. Rental rates in Energy Star buildings represent a $2.40 per square foot premium over comparable non-Energy Star buildings and have 3.6 percent higher occupancy.”

“A 2006 Green Building Council study found that by retrofitting buildings, owners can save 90 cents a square foot annually, on average, in energy and other costs and earn back their investment in 2 to 2 .5 years.”

Please let us know if we can be of service to you for your current project or your next one. We would be happy to discuss our ideas on design and sustainability with you at any time.
 

Producing environmental friendly buildings is not only good for the environment but a good investment. As part of our continued commitment to energy and environmental conscious design and construction, AENA Corporation provided Architectural, engineering and construction services for the harnessing of solar energy for a single family house located in Short Hills New Jersey.

The solar energy provision under the New Jersey Renewable Energy Incentive Program offers upfront incentives to customers of utilities regulated by the BPU (Board of Public Utilities) who invest in eligible electricity-producing equipment for use in offsetting onsite electric consumption. REIP (Renewable Energy Incentive Program) incentives improve the financial returns of renewable energy investments by offsetting the cost of system installation and/or providing ongoing benefits in the form of renewable energy credits from the generation of renewable energy.

The solar energy hardware was comprised of 64 solar panels delivering 3,000 watts of power along with the complementary inverter module. The solar panels system we used is a cutting edge technology that integrated the panel into the roof tile; solar and roof combined into one.

The benefits of solar energy are no only environmental such as reducing pollution and preserving natural resources, but from the investment point of view it stabilizes electric costs, increases self reliance and strengthens energy security and long term affordability.

AENA was selected to design a unique commercial space in Midtown Manhattan to house a technology showroom for Ricoh Corporation. As one of only three such Technology Portals located in United States the facility acts as a place to display cutting-edge office equipment and provide a training and conference facility. Designed as a fully networked business environment, the technology Portal depicts typical customer workflow with various Ricoh solutions designed to address everyday requirements through distinct sections of the showroom floor.

Among the showroom's customer-friendly features is a state-of-the art conference room, with teleconferencing capabilities that can connect engineers with Ricoh's customers to develop solutions on-site as well as lecture and event facilities. The space is designed to be flexible and accommodate large seminars and events or small group marketing tours utilizing multi-media. The varied nature of the events makes this a true multi-purpose facility that presented special design and construction challenges. Working with the client, AENA developed a program for the facility and carried the design through construction in a turn-key manner. In addition to the conference and sales facilities, the showroom is also an office and training site for staff that run the events.

AENA provided full design and construction services, delivering the showroom in several months. Work included complete interior renovations, lighting design, data infrastructure design, telecommunications design, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and retail display. The facility was designed in accordance with LEED and ISO standards to meet the client's sustainability goals.