The month of February is all about love…so what better way to celebrate it than with highlights of the Structures We Love!
We asked our engineers to tell us about their favorite structural design projects and what they love about it.
Here are some of their top picks...
Target Bay Parkway - Brooklyn, NY
Senior Project Engineer, Jason Shaub, PE
The Target Bay Parkway project located in Brooklyn, NY is my favorite as it encompassed various design aspects including connection design, temporary shoring, temporary bracing, crane beam design, and existing structure reinforcement. It also had the added complexity of the work area being located on piles over Pelham Bay. Overcoming the challenges we faced by installing multiple elevator and escalator pits was very rewarding.
Classic Colonial Renovation - White Plains, NY
Project Engineer, Jarett Rooney, PE, LEED GA
My favorite structural design project was for a residential renovation in White Plains, NY that integrated wood, concrete, and steel. I loved having the opportunity to explore and apply a diverse range of material properties and engineering principles in which each material presented unique challenges and opportunities, contributing to a well-rounded and fulfilling project. I designed a double height steel moment frame for the full height window wall which was a rewarding and engaging experience for me as an engineer, since it combined structural performance with aesthetic considerations. The final results were amazing.
Frank Lloyd Wright Renovation - Connecticut
Project Engineer, Augustine Joseph, PE
One of my favorite projects is the renovation of Tirranna, a breathtaking Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence in Connecticut. The complexity of Wright’s design made the renovation both challenging and rewarding, requiring a deep understanding of his architectural vision. Navigating the intricate details pushed my problem-solving skills to new heights. It is truly an honor to help restore and preserve such an architectural masterpiece.
1920's Guest House Renovation - Hudson Valley, NY
Staff Engineer, Mehrojiddin Aslov, EIT, LEED GA
One of my favorite Cuono projects is the renovation of a guest house on a 1920's estate in the Hudson Valley. It was a neglected structure that the new owners wanted to bring back to life. We performed a full gut renovation and proposed new framing for much of the existing building. I love that this project embraces the idea of restoration over demolition. Rather than discarding an old building, we gave it new purpose and preserved its character. It’s a great example of how thoughtful engineering can revive neglected structures and ensure they continue to be part of the family story for years to come.
Woodlawn Heights Branch Library - Bronx, NY
Project Engineer, Daniel Binello, PE
My favorite project at Cuono Engineering has been the Woodlawn Heights Branch Library in the Bronx . This new library build, which will replace the existing library structure, stands out to me because of its potential to become a lasting cornerstone of the community, providing an essential space for public engagement. Beyond its significance to the neighborhood, the building itself features a sleek, modern design, highlighted by a green roof with a variable slope in all directions, making it both architecturally and environmentally impressive.
Flat Plate Concrete Inspections - Brooklyn, NY
Staff Engineer, Khalid Abdulla, EIT
My favorite project has been, a new affordable housing development in Brooklyn, NY in which we provided inspection services for the concrete reinforcing.
In assisting with multiple site observations, I was able to work alongside the construction managers and subcontractors to understand their process, something many engineers do not get to experience. Although engineers are taught constructability in class, it can be difficult to understand the challenges faced in the field without seeing it first-hand. I've learned that although a design may appear to work on paper, it doesn't mean it is feasible for construction. As a young engineer, this type of practical knowledge helps to connect the design and construction processes.
Residential Sports Barn - Connecticut
Staff Engineer, Philip Granitto, EIT
My favorite project so far at Cuono Engineering is an addition to an existing residence consisting of a 2-story Sports Barn with a basketball court above a basement level turf field. One of the challenges we faced was the necessity to consider vibrations of the basketball floor, while also maximizing head height below at the turf field and maintaining floor elevations that matched the adjoining house. A benched foundation and a floor system with increased mass helped us achieve our goals. My favorite part of this project is its purpose - sports! It was exciting to be able to work on the design, since I love sports and would love to have something similar myself.
Steel Column Repairs - New York, NY
Assistant Project Engineer, Dan Vainer, PE
My favorite project is the repairs to a 1931 steel-framed, cinder-slab building in Manhattan, in which we designed reinforcements for deteriorated columns in the cellar. I love the hidden complexity of this design task. In order to allow for safe reinforcement of some of the exterior columns, needle shoring was required - a process where 2 beams are inserted through a wall cavity on either side of the existing column above the ground floor. The beams are then supported on new exterior and interior footings, then jacked up to take the column load, at which point the reinforcement of the column can begin.
East Hampton Estate - Long Island, NY
Staff Engineer, Louis Giacomo, EIT
One of my favorite projects is the design of new 40,000 sf private residence in Long Island which features a steel-framed main structure with perimeter concrete retaining walls. The project includes a variety of auxiliary structures surrounding the main building, such as cabanas and pergolas which are designed with an imported timber species from Africa. This required research of the tree and its material properties before designing the roof framing which I enjoyed. We also designed a unique high-end suspended ceiling for the main building with custom connections and sound isolation systems using light-gauge steel - a construction material I had not previously worked with - allowing me to learn how to design and detail a light-gauge steel framing system.
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