Each year, NAHB’s Commercial Builders Council honors quality and initiative in projects through its Awards of Excellence program. This year, 21 entries were selected to receive recognition, providing a solid base of inspiration to the rest of the commercial building industry on how to build smartly and successfully.
The award winners are selected from a large group of entries by a judging panel of industry peers, who look at the projects in terms of market appeal, energy efficiency, innovativeness, creative problem solving, and success in meeting projects goals. Entries are submitted in six divisions of project size from eight categories: retail, commercial institutional medical, industrial, recreational mixed-use and green building.
Submissions for the 2010 Awards of Excellence are now open. View the application guidelines and the entry form at www.nahb.org/commercialawards.
The 2009 winners are:
PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Weaver Auditorium
Kansas City, Mo.
Straub Construction Company, Inc., Shawnee, Kan. (Institutional)
This 31,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility built for the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, includes 1,500 seats and features a performance stage and a specialty audio visual/lighting system. It is expected to bring thousands of people to the campus each year. The striking façade includes large glass windows, dramatic lighting, a modern fountain, and well-appointed landscaping. Large, fluted columns both inside and outside the building help it to blend into the existing campus. A two-story lobby has an ornamental, iron elliptical stairway leading to the auditorium balcony. The ceiling is made up of 12 separate “cloud” structures that hang from the roof framing and stand out against a black background.
GRAND AWARD (Commercial)
First Tennessee Bank West End
Nashville, Tenn.
Looney Ricks Kiss Architects, Inc., Memphis, Tenn.
This bank branch was an opportunity for creating a building designed to respond to an active urban environment on a prominent city corner. The client wanted a modern image that projected a progressive attitude, a vision achieved through cutting-edge technology, an open plan that maximized visibility and encouraged interaction, and modernistic features such as a limestone wall that wraps the glass lobby. At the same time, the building includes energy-efficient features such as daylighting, high performance glazing and state-of-the-art heating and cooling, as well as sustainable materials such as long-lasting steel and stone.
GRAND AWARD (Green Building)
Georgia Power Bright Horizons Child Care Center
Atlanta, Ga.
R.J. Griffin & Company, Atlanta, Ga.
In response to a grass roots committee assembled to respond to workplace issues, Georgia Power built its first child care facility on four acres of a park within the company’s corporate campus in a downtown area. The secure facility can take care of up to 150 children from infants to preschool, as well as school age children during spring and summer breaks. It was built to obtain at least a Silver LEED certification through construction techniques, building materials, finishes, HVAC and more. The company also had to meet many state and city ordinances for clearing the site, such as replacing cut trees and building a massive, underground storm water reservoir to capture runoff.
GRAND AWARD (Medical)
Digestive Wellness Center
Norton, Ohio
Zumpano & Hanson Development, Akron, OH
A calming environment was created for outpatient endoscopy and gastroenterology offices of private practitioners. This was accomplished through contemporary simplicity in form and material and an understated, elegant design that included a monochromatic palette, natural lighting and landscaping. The 11,700 square foot, free-standing center on a 2.6-acre site at a busy thoroughfare is organized into two areas with separate waiting rooms, a discreet entrance and room for future expansions. The parking area conceals 20 wells that are part of a geothermal heating and cooling systems.
GRAND AWARD (Recreational)
Good Ol’ Days Family Resort
Nisswa, Minn.
Kuepers Architects & Builders Inc., Baster, Minn.
Located in the popular vacation spot of Brainerd Lakes Area, this resort is one of only two family-run establishments in the area that have not bowed to the pressures of converting to residential. To save the resort, the owners had to upgrade. A new site plan used the existing three-acre lake lot in such a way that lake views were maintained, but setback requirements were met, more green space was created, and the site exceeded state guidelines for pollution control by percolating rain back through the soil. At the same time, the owners maintained materials from the original buildings, created highly energy efficient buildings, constructed a two-story lodge that houses guests along with 10 two-story cottages, and met a very tight deadline to be ready for a summer season.
GRAND AWARD (Mixed Use)
The Creamery Building
Fort Atkinson, Wisc.
VyMaC Properties, Fort Atkinson, Wisc.
This renovation of a former creamery manufacturing facility aimed to bring back the original glory of the city’s main street while contributing to the business district’s livelihood. Special features enhance its market appeal, including state-of-the-art amenities for the office spaces and retail housed in the 100,000 square feet of space. The building now has a 100-foot by 20-foot mezzanine on the third floor of the five-story building. The construction crew essentially took the building back to its foundation, repairing damaged areas and installing new mechanical and electrical systems.
MERIT AWARD (Commercial)
First Horizon Financial Center
Mansfield, Tex.
Looney Ricks Kiss Architects, Inc., Memphis, Tenn.
To establish a strong corporate image for expansion into the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this branch draws from regional architecture through native limestone, clerestory windows, and a dramatic roofline in a bold Texan expression. The goal was to enhance the customer experience through a design different from other local banks. Interiors are vibrant and welcoming with warm finishes, a lively color palette, ambassador welcoming stations, distinct waiting areas, and online banking areas that increase efficiency and decrease waiting times.
MERIT AWARD (Medical)
Kevin G. Murphy, DDS & Associates
Baltimore, Md.
PLDA, Inc., Baltimore, Md.
This move of a small periodontic/prosthodontic practice into a vacated, full floor space was all about using space more efficiently and using natural light for better functionality, as well as maintaining high staff energy levels and lowering patient anxiety levels. Private offices exchanged for communal areas not only saved square feet, but fostered interaction among professional staff. Natural light is now visible from 90% of interior space, but the building also has energy-efficient features such zoned lighting and temperature. The result is that in less than six month, the firm saw a 20% increase in operational efficiency and patient throughput.
MERIT AWARD (Institutional)
Milton Methodist Church
Milton, N.J.
Bossart Builders, Flanders, N.J.
This 12,000 square-foot church was constructed on a five-acre site with pre-engineered, wood panelized and curved laminated beam roof truss. The building features a 350-capacity sanctuary, a fully certified day care center, class and meeting rooms and a fellowship hall with a full commercial kitchen. The church also features many green building products and technology. There is a 30-foot high all-glass curtain wall in the sanctuary.
MERIT AWARD (Green Building)
J. Banks Design
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Fraser Construction Company, LLC, Blutton, S.C.
This 19,000 square-foot building complex was constructed on a 2- acre tract of land in a central business district on a barrier island. The multi-functional building serves as a headquarters office for an interior design firm, a warehouse facility and a high-end retail boutique. The “L” shaped two-story hipped roof structure and a freestanding one-story hipped roof structure work together to form a central garden courtyard. The green building produced a 14.6% reduction in energy through increased insulation of the building envelope, reduced lighting power density and an efficient HVAC system. Daylighting is maximized throughout.
MERIT AWARD (Commercial)
Go Global Office Suites
Northbrook, Ill.
Myefski Cook Architects, Inc., Glencoe, Ill.
The triangular geometry of this site created a unique working environment for this 30,000 square foot, three-story building. A 2,500 square foot retail space anchors one end at street level, while a parking garage serves offices, which are accessed through a sweeping lobby at the heart of the building. The poured-in-place concrete floors and walls minimize vibration from an active rail line just east of the site, and the entire building is sheathed in brick and stone masonry.
MERIT AWARD (Commercial)
Bartow Municipal Airport -New General Aviation Terminal
Bartow, Fla.
SEMCO Construction, Inc., Bartow, Fla.
This new 19,210-square-foot terminal houses administrative offices for the entire airport complex, a flight training school, a full-service restaurant, and a historical WWII museum. The project also includes a new parking lot, access road and aircraft parking apron. One of the unique aspects of the projects is that it was designed to fit into the WWII history of the airport. The facility incorporates an energy-efficient chilled water/electric heat comfort system with a state-of-the-art computerized control system.
MERIT AWARD (Commercial)
NAHB Research Center
Upper Marlboro, Md.
Gardiner & Gardiner General Contractors, LLC, Crofton, Md.
The building was designed to demonstrate a commitment to best practices in the construction industry. As such, it showcases several unique building trades through a vaulted canopy at the entrance, a striking staircase leading up to the reception area, a floor to ceiling glass wall, exquisite maple woodwork and stainless steel inserts in the wall panels. Because of its function as a research facility, the building had unique requirements, such as a testing floor that had to withstand loads of up to 10,000 psi.
MERIT AWARD (Institutional)
Tri-State University Center
Angola, Ind.
Jim Ingledue Construction, Inc., Angola, Ind.
This 73,000-foot center is now the hub of campus activity, a contemporary facility featuring a glass curtain wall flaked with brick and pre-cast concrete detailing. The S-shape fits the tight building site and the building houses a theater, a health and wellness center, indoor and outdoor dining, a state-of-the-art library, a recreational rock-climbing wall, student lounges, a radio station and more.
HONORABLE MENTION (Commercial)
Infinite Energy Phase IV
BBI Construction Management, Inc., Gainesville, Fla.
The fast-growing corporation added 36,500 square feet of office space for more than 155 employees. The building used large windows along the exterior walls, clerestory windows on the second and third floors, and interior glass windows at the interior walls of exterior office, using natural lighting. Low desk partitions and reflective ceiling panels make the most of that light.
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD (Commercial)
RAJN Holdings LLC
Kalispell, Mont.
Kramer Enterprises, Inc., Kalispell, Mont.
This project, which was to be occupied by builders, subcontractors, suppliers, architects and engineers, was sited to be between two major four-land arteries to provide access to the entire valley area. The major tenant, a commercial and high-end residential developer, needed to feature the wide spectrum of its work, so the developer and architect worked closely to enhance unique features such as the use of a limited quantity stone, colored mortar, timber trusses and a plate and bolt combination. The building also features a Montana look of earth tones and natural materials.
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD (Recreational)
American Legion Post 129
Dover Township, N.J.
Bossart Builders, Flanders, N.J.
This pre-engineered wood panelized and roof truss facility is about 13,500 square feet in size with two large banquet rooms, a large lounge, a full commercial kitchen, and meeting rooms. The building features many green aspects include Energy Star heating and cooling and lighting, and products such as green carpeting. The roof is dimensional fiberglass shingles, and there are eight separately zoned areas.
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD (Institutional)
Rock of Salvation Church
Brentwood, N.Y.
Bossart Builders, Flanders, N.J.
The 10,000-square-foot religious facility is a pre-engineered wood panelized and roof truss building with sanctuary seating, as well as a fellowship hall, a commercial kitchen, and a large tile foyer with curvilinear walls. The exterior is stucco and split-face block with a front portico with columns and the steeple. Green products include Energy Star heating, cooling and lighting. The building also has a complete fire and smoke alarm system.
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD (Commercial)
North Shore Community Bank & Trust
Wilmette, Ill.
Myefski Cook Architects, Inc., Glencoe, Ill.
The expansion of this banking facility sought to preserve the character of the charter location while creating new space for employee functions and maintaining a retail presence at street level. The project encompassed both the existing building and two adjacent empty storefront buildings. The original building was mainly load-bearing masonry with wood framing while the new structure is steel framing with composite concrete floor decks, which allowed for relatively open spaces.
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD (Commercial)
Monroe Woodbury Jewish Community Center
Monroe, N.Y.
The Ruby Group, Goshen, N.Y.
This building, which is a catering hall, educational facility and place of worship, was designed so all three functions can occur simultaneously. The social hall has a dance floor and its own climate zone. The sanctuary has custom pieces, including an ark set in a 45-foot tall, stone covered, round wall, as well as large stained glass windows. The maintenance-free, sustainable exterior is pre-painted stone/stucco with soffits and fascia of PVC board.
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD (Institutional)
Performing Arts Conservatory
Ocala, Fla.
Stentiford Construction Services, Inc. Ocala, Fla.
The idea and design for this 4,448 square-foot, state-of-the-art instructional facility came from five couples with deep roots in the arts. The center is close to many public and private schools and located in an accessible area in the city’s downtown. The vision is that the conservatory, which offers programs in all the arts, will pay for itself and grow to fill the 3.8 acre master plan. The building has extra security, including large monitors in the lobby for parents to view the studios, a biometric thumbprint entry system and external security cameras.
