Modern Green

Modern Green

Konyk Architecture's Prefab Hydra House Concept

Tue

Jun

Designed by Craig Konyk of Brooklyn-based Konyk Architecture, the Hydra House was completed some time ago for a design competition that sought a concept for a twenty-square-foot parcel of land in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Konyk's striking submission contemplates a single-room structure with bold red neoprene rubber walls that would serve as a retirement home for the senior citizen that frequents Atlantic City's casinos and other attractions. The Hydra House's bed, kitchen, storage, and even shower fold up into the side of one wall like a Murphy bed, creating one continuous interior volume of space for the retiree to enjoy in any number of ways. The house is prefabricated with a single piece of steel tubing; exterior glazing is insulated and low-e. Konyk is still attempting to pique a developer's interest in the Hydra House; the project is featured in Prefab by Bryan Burkhart and Allison Arieff.

hydra(one) (konyk)

Knickerbocker Condominiums: Green Lofts in Bushwick

Wed

Oct

by Stephen Del Percio

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One important question growing out of the ongoing credit crisis is how it will impact green construction projects in emerging neighborhoods. Obviously this inquiry isn't limited just to New York City, but a good example is the Knickerbocker Condominiums in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.

Developed by Hudson Companies, Inc. the 49-unit project contemplates the adaptive reuse of existing housing stock into modern loft apartments. The developer plans to seek a LEED rating for the project, and green features include LEED-standard recycled-content construction materials, a bicycle storage room, efficient building systems, and a public green roof. Over 40 percent of units at the Knickerbocker feature some sort of private outdoor space. The project is also participating in NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program, which offers incentives to developers who build energy efficient options into their design programs.