From the Drawing Board @ T. M. Rybak & Associates

Happy Holidays and 25 Years of Service

2011-12-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

We at T.M. Rybak & Associates and Boiling Springs Group would like to thank our clients for giving us the opportunity to serve them, develop and construct unique solutions for their building needs. Since the beginning, we have tried to implement cutting edge technologies from the latest in computer programs to value engineering and/or facility modeling after move-in. We look forward to future challenges and appreciate your recommendations and support.

Please view our holiday card!

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Architects A.K.A Humanitarians

2011-11-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

Architects from all stretches of the world are starting to take initiative in impoverished areas of their countries and make them more livable for their fellow countrymen. [Full Article from the NY Times]

In Kibera, an area of Nairobi, Kenya, one of the poorest areas in Africa had a significant issue with the burning of coal and wood, which was giving many of its residents respiratory diseases. So a Kenyan architect designed a community cooker that is fueled by the refuse that is collected by the residents and in turn they get to cook with the ovens.

A community cooker is fueled by refuse that residents collect in return for time using the oven.

In Thailand there is a project called Baan Mankong Community Upgrading, this project has been going on for eight years now and has improved conditions in hundreds of slums. The project has been bringing the residents together with government and nongovernment agencies to design safer and cleaner living environments.

A renovated public walkway, top, along the canal in Bangkok, where residents are helping to design cleaner places to live.

Along the Bang Bua Canal in Bangkok, thousands of families live in rickety shacks that sit above polluted water. However architects from the nearby Scripatum University enlisted to design row houses, detached houses and semidetached houses, with the residents needs and concerns in mind. So hundreds of the decrepit houses were demolished and new houses, mostly constructed from recycled materials, were built on much sturdier ground. Not only did the residents receive new houses but they also received low interest loans and renewable 30-year leases for slum residents, which them the legal stakeholders in their property. With the money from the loans, the residents of Bang Bua decided to construct a center for the elderly and disabled, as well as set money aside for a library and childcare.

In Dakar, Senegal, architects and community organizers developed an irrigation system to recycle wastewater in the slum of Yoff.

The beach in Yoff

In La Vega, a settlement that lines the steep slopes of Caracas, Venezuela, a team of architects and engineers designed a series of new stairs and plazas, so impassable climbs became manageable, neighborhoods were linked and nobody was forced to out of their homes.

Images from before and after a stair upgrade in La Vega, Caracas, Venezuela.

Architects these days not only design your beachfront homes in East Hampton or your skyscraper in Chicago, but now they are turning slums into communities. They are saving peoples’ lives from infectious disease and treacherous living conditions and giving them an opportunity to live and prosper.

Water Conservation the “New Thing”

2011-10-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Green buildings are popping up all across the United States and when one thinks of a green building one thinks that it is conserving energy, however that is only partially true. Green buildings are also conserving water, which is becoming a very precious commodity. In the United States alone 85% of households depend on public water. The average consumption per day is 43 billion gallons of water. In addition to this, 136 billion gallons of fresh water per day are used in the production of energy from fossil fuels and nuclear sources.

The EPA notes that by 2013 36 out of the 50 states will be facing water shortages due to the excessive use of water. The average price a household pays for water and the sewage system per year is $500 however the EPA figures that if all households switched to water efficient appliances in their kitchens and bathrooms that each household would save up $170 per year. But even more significantly the country would save 3 trillion gallons of water and $18 billion per year. Along with the money and water being saved in water conservation a significant amount of energy is being saved as well.

The U.S. Department of Energy states that roughly 80% of water costs are due to the energy being consumed during the process. They noted that the American public water supply and treatment facilities consume 56 billion kilowatt-hours per year, this is enough energy to power 5 million homes for an entire year. Another example is if you ran your kitchen faucet for five minutes it would use the same amount of energy as if you left a 60-watt light bulb on for 14 hours. If only 1% of all American households reduced their water use appreciably, then about 100 million of kWh of electricity could be saved per year. That level alone would avoid 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, this is equivalent to removing nearly 15,000 automobiles from the road for one year. Saving water can do a lot more than people think.

Architects Can be Heroes Too

2011-10-21T10:30:00.001-07:00

To date 80 LEED Platinum houses stand tall in the 9th ward of New Orleans, the most heavily hit area during Hurricane Katrina. This is all thanks twenty gifted architects and great funding from Make It Right foundation. 80 homes are only half of the foundation’s goal; they hope to construct 150 homes. Many may think that this project is just a factory of constructing a bunch of boxes with no aesthetic beauty and with no regard for the soon to be owners of these structures. However there is a selection process for each home where the design not only has to be cost affective but to the liking of the owner, true “architecture democracy”.

All of these homes were constructed with the idea that they are being built in an area that is below sea level and was once flooded for weeks. Each home is raised off the ground and has roof access. The importance of this is first to obviously avoid flooding but second so that people won’t be trapped in their attics like many tragically were during Katrina. The roof access also allows the residents to add a completely different dimension to their lifestyles because now they can see their city from a special vantage point. Along with being constructed to be safe against floods each house is very energy efficient, with all energy star appliances being installed along with solar panels on the roofs. Louisiana is one of the leading states for tax rebates for solar energy virtually making it free for installation. An average energy bill for a family that is living in one the houses is less than sixty dollars per month.

The 9th ward is far from complete to being what it needs to be, but with the efforts of these dedicated architects and a well-funded foundation the area could turn from a catastrophe stricken area into a community that it once use to be.

Humanitarian Architecture a Lost Cause? I Think Not.

2011-10-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Many architects throughout the United States have started a new wave of humanitarianism or going into disaster stricken areas of the country and trying to rebuild cities on very low budgets. The one prime example is Hurricane Katrina, many talented architects flew into New Orleans months after the hurricane to give their time and talent. Most of the architects were privately funded either by Brad Pitt’s foundation “Make it Right Foundation” or grants from other private foundations. However when they went down there the city planning agency and regional planning apparatus were so devastated by the disaster and broke from budgets cuts that they were virtually useless. Therefore the planning was left up to the private philanthropies doing and no one needed a horoscope to see how that would turn out. Many small projects of green and flood proof houses were created but they were all lost in a chaotic atmosphere therefore having no real significance in the end.

Make it Right Logo

Architects can have a profound impact on a disaster scene. They are the brains behind the operation. They have the ideas for the design and they are the only ones that know how to implement what they want to be done. However no matter how spectacular the architect’s project is they still need to overcome some shortcomings. Architectural schools are going to need to teach their students better methods of receiving government assistance and organizing cooperate fundraising for the projects. With these weaknesses addressed, architects will be able to eliminate the job of the planner. They will be able to coordinate complete projects from start to finish without any interference of planners. Architects will be able to redefine their profession in a very positive manner to not just be the brains behind an operation but also the face as well.

Project Spotlight- Colonnade & Pavilion Apartments

2011-10-04T08:07:00.001-07:00

We renovated the iconic Mies van der Rohe apartment buildings The Colonnade Apartments and Pavilion Apartments in Newark, NJ. Our whole project approach delivered solutions for the required updates while staying true to the original design principles of the renowned “pioneering master of Modern architecture”. Construction on Phase 1 is complete and work will begin on Phase 2.

The project included renovation of common areas, enhancing tenant amenities, measuring apartments on 20 floors, graphics, and site work. The work transformed the basement into a concourse level with a relocated hallway onto the exterior wall to allow natural light, convenience store, laundry facility, art gallery, executive office and gym. Additionally, we conducted studies and made recommendations for implementing upgraded and more environmentally friendly energy-systems for this facility.

Solar Decathlon DC 2011

2011-10-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Solar Decathlon “challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.” - Solar Decathlon Project Brief from website.

One of our employees, Jason Peist, Assoc. AIA visited the Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C. last week. He is an alumnus of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). For the first time in the program’s history NJIT participated with Rutgers under the name Team New Jersey. Their solar house was the first pre-cast concrete structure to be built in the competition’s history.
NJIT's precast solar house. During the day and at night. Photos courtesy of Jason Peist.
The decathlon is held by The U.S. Department of Energy. The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002; the competition has since occurred biennially in 2005, 2007, and 2009.

All the houses were built in the native states or countries of the team and then transported to Washington DC. In total 20 teams participated in 2011 and all the homes were rebuilt on the West Potomac Park located near the newly constructed Martin Luther King Memorial and the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial.

At the close of the competition, University of Maryland won the overall design competition.
View of the Exterior of the University of Maryland's Project. Below detail of the wall construction. Photos courtesy of Jason Peist.
Appalachian State [below] won the People’s Choice Award.
Appalachian State's Project. Large open footprint with several smaller buildings. Photos courtesy of Jason Peist.
Jason Peist's personal favorite [below] Team New Zealand.
The overall experience was incredible and to witness green design from the next generation of architects left a remarkable impression. See you in 2013 for the next Solar Decathlon!

Follow me on twitter @tmrybak

T. M. Rybak & Associates
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.tmrassociates.com

Boiling Springs Group, Inc.
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.boilingspringsgroup.com

Alumia Solar & Energy Solutions, LLC
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.alumiaenergy.com

There is more to being Green than just Green!

2011-09-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

There is more to being green than just GREEN.

At TMR we design with all earth's colors in mind!

Since the start of our firm in 1986, we have focused on strong utilization in our construction and energy efficiency resulting in what is popularly known today as
“green design”.

We believe these to be basic, smart business practices that ultimately can lead to healthier, more vibrant communities. While long committed to the concept of achieving economy through conservation, our efforts and awareness continue to grow.

Forward-thinking, Earth – concerned design is – and always has been – our commitment.

Follow me on twitter @tmrybak

T. M. Rybak & Associates
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.tmrassociates.com

Boiling Springs Group, Inc.
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.boilingspringsgroup.com

Alumia Solar & Energy Solutions, LLC
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.alumiaenergy.com

Turn Down The Heat - It's Cold Outside!

2011-02-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

With the long stretch of winter weather most of the U.S. experienced over the last six weeks, we've all pretty much had our thermostats running overtime to stay comfortable in our homes and workplaces. This led me to think about how we try to be energy efficient in my own home and around our workplace. Is turning down the thermostat a good idea? Does routinely flicking off the lights make a difference in the long run? I found this article from the New York Times citing a study showing that most of commonly-held energy efficiency ideas make minimal impact. In the long run, we would be more efficient by upgrading older, inefficient systems to truly achieve energy gains.

Here's a couple of quick tips:

* Every one degree you turn down the thermostat over an eight hour period should yield one percent savings in energy costs.
* Replacing lights with high efficiency bulbs would yield more long-term savings than just turning lights off (Of course, turning lights off when rooms are vacant is a smart idea.)
* Localized air-conditioning can be more efficient than cooling an entire facility.
* Investments in newer energy-efficient systems can yield real energy payback more quickly than keeping antiquated heating and cooling equipment in use.

If you're looking for similar smart, eco-friendly solutions that make sound business sense for your home or business, the team at T. M. Rybak & Associates can help. With a long history of smart design coupled with an intense focus on securing a positive return on your investment, T. M. Rybak can help make your home, office or facility a “smarter” asset. Call 201-460-0473 ext. 311or e-mail trybak@tmrassociates.com for an onsite, no obligation consultation.

With this tough stretch of winter weather behind us, let's hope that Staten Island Chuck's and Punxsutawney Phil's predictions for an early spring are on the money!

Follow me on twitter @tmrybak

T. M. Rybak & Associates
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.tmrassociates.com

Boiling Springs Group, Inc.
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.boilingspringsgroup.com

Alumia Solar & Energy Solutions, LLC
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.alumiaenergy.com

Going Green = $mart Business

2010-11-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

An iconic residential and commercial complex, New York City's Zeckendorf Towers, cut the ribbon on a newly-installed and impressive green roofing system on Wednesday, November 17th. The aesthetically pleasing green roof shows that management and residents are committed to the environment through eco-friendly handling of rainwater runoff and decreasing the building's electricity load.

But don't be fooled into thinking that Zeckendorf did the installation purely to burnish their green credentials. It was a downright smart business decision. Here are some of the many high-value benefits of green roofs:

1. Cost Savings A green roof decreases heat absorption in the summer and heat loss in the winter thereby reducing the related HVAC costs and improving the cost-effectiveness of operating a large mixed-use facility

2. Great Free Publicity Infrequently utilized although the technology is proven, the green roof Zeckendorf management installed generated incredibly positive publicity helping differentiate this mature facility from competitors in one of the toughest residential/commercial real estate marketplaces on the planet

3. Sound Baffling Green roofs provide a strong insulation barrier against urban noise pollution further enhancing the value of the property.

4. Aesthetics/Amenities Zeckendorf Towers reclaimed a previously underutilized/unattractive space and turned it into a great tenant amenity, again further enhancing the value of the property.

If you're looking for smart, eco-friendly solutions that make sound business sense for your building, the team at T. M. Rybak & Associates can help. With a long history of smart design coupled with an intense focus on securing a positive return on your investment, T. M. Rybak & Associates can help make your home, office or facility a “smarter” asset.

Follow me on twitter @tmrybak

T. M. Rybak & Associates
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.tmrassociates.com

Boiling Springs Group, Inc.
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.boilingspringsgroup.com

Alumia Solar & Energy Solutions, LLC
15 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
www.alumiaenergy.com