Brownstone & Historic Structure Renovations

Brownstone & Historic Structure Renovations STRUCTURAL DESIGN & ANALYSIS

STRUCTURAL DESIGN SOLUTIONS Excavations for: • Added floor-to-ceiling height • Below-grade additions • Wine cellars • Home theaters • Rooftop terrace and gardens • Solar Installations • HVAC Support • Skylights

BEFORE

• Deck-Access Stair Bulkheads • Full-Story Vertical Additions

SUPPORTING THE ARCHITECTURAL V

25 West 88th Street NY, New York

VISION

AFTER

FACADE RESTORATION FRO HISTORIC AND LANDMARKED PROPERTIES

CONVERSIONS AND ADAPTIVE REUSE The Strong Place Baptist Churchwas designed in the Gothic Revival style byMinard Lafever, a carpen- ter with no formal architectural training who nonetheless designed four buildings now recognized as National Historic Landmarks. Completed in 1852, this building served as a church for a century and a half, but by the turn of the millennium was in disrepair and mostly vacant, with substantial water infiltration ruining many of its original architectural features.DEI worked with Baxt Ingui Architects to convert the church into condominiums -- 24 residential units in all -- while preserving the exterior brownstone shell and roof lines to meet the stringent requirements of New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission. New steel framework was erected within the multistory spaces, creating four new residential floor levels, and a new cellar level was excavated for storage space. Three-sto- ry additions, in keeping with the original architecture, further expanded the overall space to 56,000 SF.During construction, DEI was engaged to design temporary bracing for the massive perimeter ma- sonry walls. Comprising steel beams and tension rods, the bracing system enabled demolition and removal of the interior structural components within the masonry shell. Bracing remained in place until the new 4-story frame could re-stabilize the perimeter walls.A particular challenge was the re- configuration of the original scissor trusses to increase head room and create higher areas of cathedral ceiling at the top floors. The structural design of this reconfiguration demanded engineering that is simultaneously creative and judicious, a combination DEI is known for in its historic and adaptive reuse projects. Our partners in this project, Baxt Ingui Architects, were presented with the Design Award of Merit from the American Institute of Architects, Brooklyn, for their outstanding work. Completed project photos courtesy of Peter Peirce

This large, single-family brownstone residence is located on the upper west side of Manhattan. Origi- nally constructed in 1888, it has been designated as an historic structure by the NYC Landmarks Pres- ervation Commission. Each of the original six floors of the townhouse, including the basement, was restructured by DEI to accommodate a new elevator shaft and a revised interior stairwell. The floors were re-framed using light gage metal joists and structural steel beams. In addition to renovating exist- ing floors, DEI designed a penthouse addition which accesses a new outdoor terraced area. Important architectural and structural features of this home include the addition of a gracious, historically appro- priate front stoop. The influx of natural light was essential to this project. DEI used computer modeling to design a three-story structural steel frame, providing needed lateral strength so that the masonry rear wall could be modified to accommodate large floor to ceiling openings. Changes to masonry walls in the existing rear addition allowed us to create a glass corner at the first, second, and third floors. DEI worked closely with the architect, the contractor (Robert Taffera, Inc.), and the owner to achieve the intended design and vision. As a result of the extensive collaboration between all parties, this house became a certified LEED Platinum home and the first Certified Passive House in Manhattan. Post construction photos: John Muggenborg MULTISTORY SPACES

WHY CONTRACTORS LOVE US • Setting Projects done on time and budget • Quick Response • Workable Solutions

D’Huy Engineering, Inc. offers a unique combination of professional services from planning and design through construction and project turnover. D’Huy Engineering, Inc. is known for providing comprehensive design and project management services and has a long and successful track record of completing projects on schedule and within the budget constraints of our clients.

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