Arverne Dunes in Far Rockaway, New York by ShortList_0 Design Group

Article source: ShortList_0 Design Group

Sustainably repurposing urban piers.
Arverne Dunes is a new waterfront concept for neighborhood redevelopment of Far Rockaway New York post Hurricane Sandy. It features both urban and suburban attributes. Embracing its city surroundings with urban density, the design capitalizes on the site’s coastal elements retaining the feel and lifestyle of a beachfront town. The plan emphasizes the Community Board’s priorities, aiming to meet the needs of developers, Rockaway residents and New York City government’s updated FEMA recommendations for this flood zone area. The site plan fosters beach community ambiance for 1,000 new dwellings, 200,000sf of commercial space, in addition to recreation, a medical clinic, doctors’ offices and community facilities.

Arverne Dunes proposal, eastern sector perspective: Dune preserve, 500 townhouse units, 500 midrise dwelling units, 200,000sf commercial, plus recreation and medical facilities, Image Courtesy © ShortList_0 Design Group

• Architects: ShortList_0 Design Group
• Project: Arverne Dunes
• Location: Far Rockaway, New York
• Urban Planning: PLC Urban Planning & Policy
• Designer: Bill Caplan, Managing Member, 2013
• Site Area: 80+ acres
• Sustainable Design Features: Building integrated PV solar panels, green roofs, dune preservation, daylight Illumination
• Annual Power Generation Capability: 1.75 Megawatts
• Design Software: Revit
• Catagories: Housing Development, Land Preserve, Master Plan, Residential, Autodesk Revit, Sustainable Design, Urban Design, Waterfront Development

Arverne Dunes proposal: Rooftop solar power for residential and emergency off-grid use, Image Courtesy © ShortList_0 Design Group

Rooftop solar power generation.
The rooftop array of 9,300 PV solar panels provides both on- and off-grid electric power generation with a capability of 1.75 Megawatts. The building integrated photovoltaic solar cells (BIPV) can offset up to 30% of the residential power needs through the grid, as well as providing off-grid emergency power to the entire neighborhood. Solar panels are located on recreation
area buildings, midrise residential buildings, and the dune preserve nature walk canopy parallel to Edgemere Avenue, all situated in full sun without interference from over casting shadows.

Arverne Dunes proposal: Nature light, dune-plant green roofs and solar power, Image Courtesy © ShortList_0 Design Group

Natural light, green roofs and PVs.
The building design makes full use of sustainable principles. Townhouse roofs are insulted with dune-plant green roofs, providing insulation from the summer sun and winter’s cold, and rainwater absorption to reduce runoff. Operable skylights provide natural day lighting as well as hot air ventilation. The solar panels are fully integrated with roof construction to avoid the material waste, cost and weight of a double roof that would result when mounting discreet panels on existing roofing.

Dune preserve and nature center.
Protecting the fragile coastline, the sand dunes are an integral part of sustainable waterfront design. They also provide a resource for education and the enjoyment of nature. The Arverne Dunes site plan proposal maintains a 35-acre Dune Preserve, and adds a nature center with a dune-plant green roof, boardwalk nature trails, and viewing areas. All are elevated to protect the fragile environment. A fitness trail runs parallel to the dune preserve adjacent to the main boardwalk. An additional 10+ acres of dune walks constitute the community’s primary pedestrian circulation, connecting residential, commercial and recreation areas.

Arverne Dunes proposal: 35 acre dune preserve with nature center, boardwalk trails and view platforms, Image Courtesy © ShortList_0 Design Group

The site plan principles.
1. Foster beach community ambiance.
2. Maximize open space and views.
3. Provide active + passive outdoor recreation.
4. Minimize mass and density:
(a) The 500 split-level townhouses are stepped to provide views from each unit while maintaining a low profile.
(b) 500 midrise units are restricted to the Edgemere Avenue and eastern borders.
5. Flood zone consideration:
(a) Elevated above FEMA “A” and “V” levels.
(b) Limiting street level use to storm-proof recreation, streets, ramps + parking.
(c) Maximize use of porous and natural ground surfaces.
(d) Underground infrastructure.
(e) Off-grid power generation capability.

Arverne Dunes proposal: 1000 units of elevated flood zone housing plus commercial space, maintaining large areas of open dune space and seaside ambiance, Image Courtesy © ShortList_0 Design Group

Tags: Far Rockaway, New York

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