Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Leadership Durham Program

George Hining is Approved for Leadership Durham


Leadership Durham is a program of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce that opens doors for local businessmen and women and community leaders with the desire and ability to shape its future. Through a series of meeting with state leaders, participants explore major issues and unique challenges facing the Durham community. Interactive topics include in-depth discussions on Durham’s history, leadership development, the role of the Durham Chamber of Commerce, economic development, community development, education, marketing Durham, parks and recreation, among many more. Selection is based upon demonstrated leadership ability, evidence of community involvement, willingness to assume greater community responsibilities and professional/personal recommendations. Another component the Leadership Durham experience encourages is leadership participation in one of the many diverse nonprofit organizations in our community. Such participation not only strengthens our community, but also refines leadership skills. Our very own George Hining was selected for participation in this select program.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

NC State's 4-H Center

Scheduled to be NC State’s first LEED Project!
Tyrrell County’s Eastern 4-H Conference & Recreation Center is slated to be North Carolina State University’s very first LEED Certified project completed in 2010. The design team has pursued a goal of LEED Silver certification and is now waiting on its approval. Sustainable strategies include maximizing day-lighting, using rapidly renewable, regional, and recycled building materials, minimizing heat-island effect, and minimizing utility consumption.

The exterior of the building is comprised of painted tilt-up concrete panels with integrated thin-brick. Wood accents at entry spaces were incorporated to maintain the 4-H Camp’s overall aesthetic. The building’s programmed spaces include an 8,000 square foot recreation/convention space with bamboo sport flooring, a two hundred person meeting/dining hall, a catering kitchen, breakout rooms/classrooms, and administrative spaces. Heating and cooling will be economized by the use of 70 geothermal wells. The building is approximately 20,000 SF. MHAworks was responsible for full architectural services and LEED Coordination.





Monday, October 4, 2010

MHAworks wins Award of Merit

The City of Durham Police Department Downtown District Substation and Forensic Lab designed by MHAworks was recognized with the Golden Leaf Award of Merit on Thursday Evening, September 30th. The Golden Leaf Awards for Community Appearance recognize the best contributions to the community. The goal of the award is to encourage better designed and maintained properties. The Durham Police Substation was rewarded recognition in the community property category for projects that enhance the appearance and livability of highly visible public properties.

MHAworks completed the planning and design of converting the existing City of Durham Police Station into the 14,000 sf District Police Station and Forensic Laboratory. The firm managed the following tasks on the project: site access and exterior building improvements; building scope evaluation; interior space layout including inventory and layout of furnishings; specs for new systems and laboratory product; roof replacement design; plumbing, mechanical and electrical system design; site and interior utilities coordination; interior finish selection; design of forensic laboratory including ballistics and coordination with laboratory components.

The project showcases modern amenities and technologies for the police employees, citizens, and visiting guests. The existing facade has been rejuvenated with a unique canopy and a modern fenestration. The glass clad entry that juts out from the building face helps breakdown the buildings mass. The entry’s transparency from the street create a more “inviting” approach and help to enhance the pedestrian experience along Rigsbee Avenue.
A creative and innovative solution in bringing
new life to a rather ‘tired building’ – Judge’s comment