The New Jersey Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA-NJ) has recognized The Musial Group Architecture with a Merit Award in the Built Open category, for its design of the Garwood Athletic Field Complex located in Garwood, N.J.
The athletic complex’s 1,800-square-foot building was constructed to provide publicly accessible facilities to the Borough of Garwood. Situated between existing underground utilities and within the extents of a flood plain, The Musial Group Architecture had a number of site constraints when designing the building. In negotiation with the restrictions, the architects delicately designed the occupiable spaces to lie above the flood datum while limiting the building’s footprint.
“We were clearly faced with some unorthodox building impediments, but we strove to turn these challenging land characteristics into unique and identifiable design features,” explained Noel Musial, AIA, Principal at The Musial Group Architecture. “We’re truly honored to be recognized with this award for a project in which were able to help create a resource for the entire community of Garwood.”
The majority of the building’s roof, wall, and floor construction is comprised of prefabricated Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs), which were erected on-site over the course of two weeks.Operable screens provide security and mimic the dappled light of the surrounding trees. When open, the spaces connect with the landscape and provide a type of covered exterior space that references the spatial characteristics of the gazebo that the complex replaces.
“Showcasing their ability to problem-solve, Musial Group Architecture was able to take these obstacles and transform them into innovative features,” said Justin Mihalik, AIA, president of AIA-NJ. “By navigating these challenges, while respecting the adjacent residential community, Musial Group Architects was able to deliver an award-winning design and a building that benefits the surrounding communities.”
The project was partially funded by the Green Acres Program, which strives to meet New Jersey’s growing recreation and conservation needs.
About the AIA New Jersey Design Awards Program
The AIA-NJ Annual Design Awards program recognizes architectural projects that exhibit design excellence in one of four categories: open (meant for any building type), residential, historic preservation and interior architecture. Projects are further designated as either “built” or “un-built.” To be eligible, projects must be either located in New Jersey or designed by an AIA-NJ architect. Submitted projects are evaluated during the organization’s annual Design Conference by a group of distinguished architects from throughout the country.
About AIA and AIA New Jersey
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional organization that helps architects serve the public’s needs and builds awareness of the role of architects and architecture in American society. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., its 300 plus local chapters represent 87,000 licensed architects and allied professionals. The organization’s local chapter, AIA New Jersey, has served as the voice of the architecture profession in the Garden State since 1900. Based in Trenton, AIA New Jersey has 2,000 members in six local sections. For more information, please visit www.aia-nj.org.
