The End of Impact Resistant Glazing in NJ?
On 21 September 2015, New Jersey formally adopted the 2015 ICC series of codes including the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).
This is the first code update in NJ in nearly six years and it comes with many changes.
One significant change is the removal of most buildings in NJ from Wind Born Debris Regions. These are areas that the code defines as hurricane-prone due to high wind speed and/or proximity to the coastline.
This change stems from updates to the wind speed maps that are referenced in the code. By moving the higher wind speeds farther off the coast, the new maps essentially find that NJ is at a lower risk of wind events than previously thought.
Here is an excerpt from the IBC commentary explaining the reason for the change:
"Over the past decade, new data and research have indicated that the mapped hurricane wind speeds have been overly conservative. Significantly more hurricane data has become available, which in turn allows for improvements in the hurricane simulation model that is used to develop wind speed maps. The new hurricane hazard model yields hurricane wind speeds that are lower than those given in previous editions of the code, even though the overall rate of intense storms has increased."
This code change results in the removal of the requirement for Impact Resistant Glazing in most New Jersey buildings, including all residential buildings.
As evidence by recent storms including Hurricane Joaquin, the continued threat to NJ is likely to be from flood events rather than wind related events.
It is important however to remember that building codes are a minimum standard and there are reasons why one may want to include impact resistant glazing. Building owners are encourage to consult with their architect regarding the appropriate application of all glazing types.
In summary, most building in NJ will no longer be in wind born debris regions. Only "Essential Facilities" (Risk Category IV) located within 1 mile of the coast AND in areas with 130 MPH wind will need to meet these requirements.
If you have any question regarding these changes or any other code requirements, just ask the code experts at Cornerstone.
|
|
| |
|
The New Jersey Chapter of the American Institute of Architects recently selected Cornerstone's own Robert F. Barranger, AIA, as Architect of the Year for 2015.
The Architect of the Year award is given to a registered architect and AIA New Jersey member in good standing recognized as having made a major accomplishment in the field of architecture and has distinguished himself both professionally and personally. The award is based on professional, technical and personal accomplishments.
This is the fourth award presented to Bob by AIA New Jesrey. He previously received; Young Architect of the Year award in 1999, Firm of the Year in 2004 along with his two partners, and the Distinguished Service award in 2008.
The honor was bestowed upon Bob at a black-tie celebration dinner at The Park Savoy in Florham Park, NJ on January 30th.
|
Ramboll Environ New Corporate Office
The Ramboll Environ Inc. interior alteration project involved tenant improvements to accommodate the expanding staff of this environmental consulting firm. Cornerstone Architectural Group was hired to do programming and test fits for three different locations in the Princeton, New Jersey area. A 27,000 SF space in Carnegie Center was ultimately selected for their new office.
|
|
| Executive Conference Room |
The program dictated a large number of private offices that had to be located on the exterior wall. In order to deliver natural light into the interior open office area, the perimeter offices were designed with floor to ceiling glass partitions and sliding glass doors. The open office workstations are arranged with aisles perpendicular to the glass wall to maximize daylight and views from the workstations.
The design also includes multiple color themed conference rooms and collaborative meeting spaces.
Robet M. Longo, AIA, LEED AP was the Partner in Charge, Donna M. Miller AIA, LEED AP was the Project Architect.
|
Team Tambo again rode in this year's National Multiple Sclerosis Society fund raiser on Sunday, September 13th in picturesque Hunterdon County. The event was coined Bike MS: Barrels & Brews 2015 and featured a 40 mile circuit which took riders up wicked steep inclines, over super fast downhill stretches and through twisting back country roads. The starting point and finish line were at the stately Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes, New Jersey.
Team Tambo included Cornerstone's own; team captain Vito Tamborrino, veteran rider Bob Longo and rookie rider Bob Barranger. Bob's wife, Candy and Bob's wife, Tracy also joined the effort as volunteers during the event. Team Tambo also included riders Celeste Gandolfo, Karyn Jarmen, Kristine Rovell, Mary Russo, Mary Lynn Wentway and Jenny Zarzuela.
Team Tambo lead the event fund raising efforts by posting the most team donations which totaled $8,315. Bob Longo lead the team with the most personal donations which totaled $3,125.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS. Donations go directly towards programs and services for local residents to help with their daily fight against this disease, and also towards national research programs.
|
|
| |
|
