Paul A. Castrucci Architects

Building Owner Resources

*contact [email protected] to discuss the specifics of your project

PANDEMIC GUIDE FOR REAL ESTATE MANAGERS FROM INSTITUTE OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT

Being prepared is critical to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and minimizing impact should an outbreak occur.

For full document, click here.

COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR OWNERS AND MANAGERS OF MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

Topics that owners, managers and other providers of market-rate and affordable housing should consider as they make plans to address the COVID-19 virus.

For full document, click here.

REOCCUPANCY ASSESSMENT TOOL

The AIA has provided a document to provide architects, private clients, and civic leaders a framework of strategies for reoccupying buildings and businesses that are in the process of transitioning from being fully closed to fully open. The document aims to provide a range of general mitigation measures to consider, with the understanding that the risk of infection can only be “flattened” and not eliminated entirely. Solutions require a coordinated approach between building features and operational practices.

For full document to AIA’s ReOccupancy publication, click here.

building science and technological solutions for covid resiliency

Building science strategies to create healthy indoor environments and limit the spread of COVID-19

• AIR FLOW: Increasing airflow to help dilute the airborne contaminants by opening windows or increasing ventilation. Current evidence shows the primary transfer of COVID-19 is through respiratory droplets. Transmission occurs through recirculated air. 

  • Source: https://www-nytimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/opinion/coronavirus-buildings.amp.html

• AIR FILTRATION:

  • Filter indoor air using air purifiers with HEPA filters

    Source: https://centerforactivedesign.org/5-ways-to-optimize-buildings

  • Variable flow systems or PTAC systems that recirculate air and should use the highest graded MERV filters (at least MERV 13.) 

    Source: https://www-nytimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/opinion/coronavirus-buildings.amp.html

• AIR TIGHTNESS & COMPARTMENTALIZATION: superior airtightness between units may prevent the spread of pathogen between units.

• PLUMBING MAINTENANCE: Research suggests COVID-19 may be present in fecal matter. Proper maintenance of wastewater pipes and gas vents is required to prevent off-gassing and wastewater from entering building spaces. Because COVID19 may be transmitted through the building ventilation systems, wastewater pipes should be inspected for leaks and leak meters should be installed.

  • sources: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.30.927806v1

    https://cph.temple.edu/about/news-events/news/can-coronavirus-spread-through-defective-bathroom-sewage-pipes

• HEALTHY MATERIALS: Preventative measures include the selection of low VOC materials for interior spaces to promote superior indoor air quality.

• ELECTRIFICATION OF APPLIANCES: Gas cooking appliances are linked to lower respiratory illness. They emit a wide range of air pollutants, including PM2.5, have negative health impacts. Pre-existing conditions and long-term exposure to air pollution increase COVID-19 death rates. Lack of maintenance and proper ventilation systems augment the concentration of indoor air pollution. The research suggests that even a small increase (1 μg/m3) in long-term exposure to fine particulate matters (PM2.5) leads to an 8% rise in COVID-19 death rates.

  • sources: https://ucla.app.box.com/s/xyzt8jc1ixnetiv0269qe704wu0ihif7

    https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/covid-pm

• MOLD MITIGATION: Cooling and water towers should be maintained to reduce bacterial growth. Thermal bridge-free detailing and construction eliminates the mold potential from dew point presence in critical envelope locations. Mold mitigation should be targeted to provide healthy indoor air quality and reduce occupant COVID-related death rates.

creating comfortable sheltering in place conditions through the built environment

Architectural reform for resilient design through prioritizing human interest and civil health.

• HOUSING FOR ALL: Aim to provide equitable and quality housing standards to all populations.

• QUALITY COMMUNITY FACILITIES: Prioritize social spaces with integrated community facilities in multi-family housing. Provide adequate space to encourage social gathering while practicing social distancing protocols. Encourage the support of community engagement system, education, and connectivity.

• AMPLE SPACE: Provide adequate distance at entry points and corridors to allow for multi-directional travel. Where possible, increase unit sizing to encourage positive mental health in times of extended sheltering-in-place conditions.

• OUTDOOR SPACE: Produce access to quality outdoor space, especially for children. Integrate balcony or patio space for residential use to generate personalized exterior nodes.

• RECREATION SPACES: A variety of recreation spaces to allow for different types of socialization should be provided to encourage community engagement and physical activity. Exterior gathering space should accommodate social distancing with info-graphics and architectural cues. Provide awning or shading / rain coverings to expand occupiable exterior space in extreme heat and precipitation events.

• EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES: Integrate affordable housing in all regions of the city to allow for walk-able, diverse, and rich commutes. Reclaiming retail spaces in high cost neighborhoods for community-based uses should be implemented where possible to promote an active social environment.

• INTERIOR COMFORT: Sustained human comfort in temperature and humidity ranges to support long-term occupant health benefits and building integrity.

• NATURAL LIGHT AND VENTILATION: Provide ample access to natural light and ventilation via large openings at public corridors, gathering spaces, and residential units.

• HEALTHY MATERIALS: Provide healthy interior air quality through lot VOC materials, easily maintained and cleanable surfaces, and touch-less RFID entry systems at doors.

• SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING: Post educational hand washing, social distancing, and traffic directional signage and info-graphics at public high-traffic areas. Integrate effective graphic communication strategies throughout buildings to create ease of building and program use through way-finding strategies.