Part 2 Historic Brooklyn Waterfront Apartment Refresh - Elevator and Accessibility

As discussed in the previous post, the renovation of this apartment included some major infrastructural updates like installing an internal elevator, replacing the existing windows with high-performance ones and a new fireplace in place of the existing unit.

The foremost task was to find a private residential elevator that complied with the necessary building codes. The lift model was required to comply with NYC Department of Building (DOB) codes along with dimensions that would accommodate a wheelchair comfortably.

The old construction of the building presented difficulties due to the thicker than usual slabs which made it challenging to locate re-bars. Once the elevator company and model were finalized, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was used to locate rebars and mark out the exact location for the opening.

The structural engineer made a final shoring plan of reinforcements and anchors to be put in place before the core-drilling began. These plans were reviewed by the building architect and the engineers before being submitted to the NYC DOB to get official permits. Torque-wrench testing was carried out once the steel anchors were installed.

Hydraulic-powered concrete chain saw was used to cut the slab in order to avoid the use of heavy machinery that would require additional permitting procedures. A water catchment basin was made below the slab to collect and reuse the water on site.

Careful consideration was given to integrate easy movement for wheelchairs throughout the house. Achieving accessibility in the bathroom necessitated a zero threshold. This was accomplished by a calculated sloping up of the floor of the adjoining rooms. The gradual slope was inconspicuous and also achieved seamless accessibility that was required.