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Net Zero Energy

Net-zero energy or zero net energy building, is a building with zero net energy consumption. Meaning that the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site. For a building to be certified as net-zero, all of its energy needs over a 12-month period must be supplied by on-site renewable energy. The International Living Future Institute does allow an “off-site renewables” exception for buildings that are locating in tight urban areas where solar panels aren’t feasible. In recent years there has been a shift toward achieving NZE buildings, especially in California, Virginia, and Europe. Net-zero projects still represent a fraction of total new construction, but their numbers are on the rise. According to the New Buildings Institute (NBI), which has been tracking net-zero buildings since 2000, there were 332 verified or anticipated net-zero buildings in the United States and Canada at the end of
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Mental Health Diversion Facility

Florida is rolling out a groundbreaking way of addressing mental health treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation facility, and SBLM is excited to be partnering with The Internal Services Division and South Florida Behavioral Network to design a framework for this project. With a budget of $35 million the facility will be housed in an abandoned former State Psychiatric Hospital that is leased to the County/South Florida Behavioral Network. The facility is expected to open late 2019. The Mental Health Diversion Facility will host a comprehensive array of treatment and support services including triage/screening and assessment, crisis stabilization unit, short term residential treatment and therapeutic and vocational training with a “step-down” concept.  The facility will offer comprehensive on site services for the residents and former residents including various levels of residential treatment, outpatient behavioral health and primary care treatment, crisis respite services, l
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VR and Architecture

Technology is slowly being implemented to every aspect of our lives, including our work. A few years ago, VR/AR was considered child’s play, but since then, the software has significantly improved and became a medium that’s being used more by younger professionals in the AEC industry. VR/AR offers a more immersive experience for architectural designs, space building, and interior designs. As more apps and software is being released and focused for the architectural and design community, VR/AR tools are becoming an industry standard. VR (virtual reality) creates fully computer-generated environments, while AR (augmented reality) delivers virtual elements as an overlay to the real world. Both use similar tech, but ultimately lead the end user to different results. VR is sought to be a better tool for architects, while AR used for construction displays. A few applications on the market directed for the AEC industry include Fuzor , Shapespark , and ARki . Many firms are
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Green Roofs

Soprema, Inc recently visited our office to present green roof systems to SBLM. Green roofs are an excellent way to contribute to environmental sustainability while, in some cases, taking advantage of typically unused space as an amenity. There are two types of green roofs, extensive and intensive, each with their own design considerations and benefits.  Extensive green roofs are of shallow depths and typically consist of hardy planting medium, such as sedum, which require little maintenance and lower excess structural load capacity. Due to its shallow nature, extensive systems are not typically used as an amenity. Conversely, intensive green roofs include much deeper soils which can support grasses, shrubs, trees and, and subsequently, people.  Intensive systems have a higher demand for maintenance and structural load capacity.              Regardless of the type of green roof, the environmental benefits are evident in the areas of stormwater management, heat island re
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Todd’s Quick Guide to the ARE

If you’re looking to get your license, passing the Architect Registration Exam, is the most daunting step. Now that the ARE 5.0 has been released for over half a year and even though study guides are still not caught up, it can be even more daunting. Having recently passed the ARE (two ARE 4.0 and three ARE 5.0) I say, fear not! Here’s my quick advice to getting through the six exams. Start by signing up for an exam. This gives you a deadline and motivation. If you live in a populated area (i.e. NYC) it can be difficult to get the day of the week or the time of the day you want. I would usually sign up for my next exam the day I took one and would often need to pick a day two months out due to the testing centers being booked. Speaking of time, space out your exams between 1-2 months each. Take into account how busy you are. If you can only devote an hour a day to studying take exams around two months apart. If you can devote more than that pick dates closer to a month. An
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SBLM collaborating with Isay Weinfeld for Jardim

SBLM is thrilled to be collaborating with Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld on Jardim, a new luxury residence located in the thriving corridor of development alongside New York City’s Highline.  Fueled by the success of the elevated park and greenway, the surrounding West Chelsea neighborhood has been transformed into a portfolio of new work by the world’s leading architects, and we are enthusiastic to keep company with this venerated group. Jardim boasts a sultry oasis of terraced multi-level gardens, flowering trees, and a stone spiral staircase which will connect the lower reserved sections of the garden to the upper more spacious areas.  The complex consists of two adjacent eleven-story buildings with a total of 36 units that range from one to four bedrooms. The towers feature indoor and outdoor living areas—both public and private--with balconies and a shared courtyard nestled within the development. The garden-inspired design continues from exterior to
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DSNY Staten Island Garage

The office of the New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYC DDC) sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the renovation of the District 1 & 3 Garage and Borough Repair Shop located in Fresh Kills Park, Staten Island. In response, SBLM proposed a sustainable and resilient site plan which serves the dual purpose of public space and multi-functional municipal facilities. Background The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is one of the critical components that comprise the backbone of New York City's vast municipal infrastructure. As the world's largest sanitation department, DSNY is responsible for garbage and recycling collection, street cleaning, snow and ice removal, and clearing abandoned cars and debris and waste from 6,500 miles of city streets. Through parades and placid days, the city of New York is completely dependent on DSNY and their services. DSNY has 60 garages and facilities throughout the five boroughs. The existing facility occupi
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