RESIDENTIAL MULTI FAMILY, MULTIPLE DWELLINGS
CHARLOTTE OF THE UPPER WEST SIDE (470 COLUMBUS AVENUE) NEW YORK, NEW YORK SUBMITTED BY: BKSK ARCHITECTS LLP Photo Credit: © Christopher Payne/Esto
MERIT AWARD “The Charlotte of the Upper West Side project features an innovative blend of traditional architectural elements with modern elements, resulting in a cohesive design that dialogues with the surrounding architecture. Moreover, its commitment to sustainability and health helps establish new benchmarks for residential buildings in NYC.”
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In the Category of Multi Family, Multiple Dwellings, a Merit Award is awarded to BKSK Architects for the Charlotte of the Upper West Side building. This nine-story mixed use building features a modern interpretation of the traditional district’s architectural typology by using warm materials, modern detailing and concepts of screening which appear throughout, especially in the jewel of the design: cleverly disguised, heroic glass windows. Intended to dialogue with the surrounding architecture, the design drew inspiration from traditions of sculptural brick and terra cotta details, planes of masonry, and robust cornices. The brick piers are interwoven with horizontal terra cotta baguettes to create a suspended rain screen that conceals large, contemporary windows, framing openings that mirror the punched windows of adjacent tenement buildings. Inside, the horizontal screening is a modern serene quality with layers of masonry giving way to contemporary wood. The project sets new standards for energy performance, occupant comfort, and indoor air quality. Charlotte’s namesake is a real child; the building’s focus on sustainability, and health and wellness, is a purposeful endowment toward her generation’s future. The design team utilized Passive House design standards leading to a Passive House Institute Low Energy Building Certification. Passive House design relies on a nearly airtight building envelope, with robust insulation and, in this case, street-facing windows with four panes of glass. Filtered fresh outdoor air is supplied to rooms by a separate ventilation system, distinct from the heating and air conditioning system, substantially raising the indoor air quality. One of the first condominium buildings in New York to introduce Ultraviolet C energy to irradiate germs and viruses, the project is the first Landmarks Preservation Commission approved condominium built to Passive House standards in Manhattan.