Description

• Kitchens are central to residents’ overall apartment living experience. A well-designed kitchen maximizes space utilization, enhances functionality, and promotes indoor air-quality with proper ventilation. Thoughtful layouts ensure an efficient workflow, adequate storage and lighting with materials chosen not only for aesthetics but also their durability and ease of maintenance. Kitchens must be designed with accessibility in mind, incorporating features that adhere to ADA requirements, including appropriate counter heights and clearances for those with mobility impairments. Accessible features such as pull-out shelves, lever handles, and strategically placed outlets should be integrated. New appliances should be in the range of ENERGY STAR’s “Save More” standards. New fixtures should comply with UFAS / ADA standards to ensure inclusivity and functionality for all residents. Tamper resistant receptacles (TR) and GFCI outlets are required by NYC Electrical Code.

Baseline

Overall

• All surfaces to be durable and cleanable to help with pest management and discourage mold growth.
• Kitchenettes (less than 80 square feet) must be provided with natural ventilation (window) or mechanical ventilation. Must be in accordance with the New York City Mechanical Code.
• Wet rooms including enclosed or partially enclosed kitchens should be tiled with porcelain or ceramic. [PACT]
• Evaluate all plumbing lines and ensure proper allowance for repair or replacement if full replacement is not required. [PACT]
• All new plumbing fixtures should be low-flow and comply with efficiency rates set by Local Law 57 of 2010 and Enterprise Green Communities Criteria. [PACT]

Cabinets

• For durability, use a solid hardwood face frame, 5-ply side panels, 7-ply doors, and 170-degree (minimum) hinges.
• Provide 12-inch (D) x 42-inch (H) wall cabinets; the bottom shelf of the wall cabinets must measure 4 feet above the floor.
• The mid and top floors of a high rise may have reduced height wall cabinet.
• Install floor cabinets with a 24-inch (D) base; the top of countertop must measure 34 inches above the finished floor.
• Provide cabinet spaces for standard refrigerators and microwaves. When the kitchen size allows, provide a pantry closet.
• The cabinetry must allow for easy removal of components below the countertop for accessibility.
• Lay out kitchen cabinetry and appliances to maximize the amount of storage space while reducing the number of different cabinet sizes. [COMPMOD]
• Cabinets face frame should be solid wood (hardwood). Cabinet doors are to be plywood. [PACT]
  • Recent examples include: Concord Collection; Armstrong Cabinet Products: Extreme Series; Master Woodcraft: Ravello, Romanello Product Lines, Greenstar International.

Countertops

• Provide as much counter space as possible. Countertops shall be ¾-inch exterior-grade plywood covered with plastic laminate with an integral 4-inch backsplash.
• Provide solid surface resin-based countertops and backsplashes (minimum 4” high) as standard. Lesson Learned: consider the ability to repair countertops – solid colors are often easier to refinish than faux stone or other patterned surfaces. [COMPMOD]
• Use straight runs where possible to avoid corner cabinets and “L-shaped” countertops, which are large and difficult to store attic stock and maneuver replacements. [COMPMOD]
• Solid-surface countertops and cabinets rather than laminate products should be used. Solid-surface countertop options include quartz and other engineered stone products. [PACT]
• Backsplashes in kitchens should be full height (to the underside of cabinets). Tile backsplashes are preferred. [PACT]

Sinks

• Provide 18-gauge stainless steel, three-hole, single or double bowl sinks. Provide single-lever faucet with threaded inlet shanks, fastened for durability.

Appliances

• All appliances must be ENERGY STAR certified (where applicable).
• Provide a top-freezer refrigerator and a 30-inch-wide gas range with a non-vented range hood.
• Provide stainless steel appliances. [COMPMOD]

Fixtures

• Fixtures must comply with UFAS and ADA standards, and with durability standards set by the Severe Use requirements in the HUD Minimum Property Standards. (link: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/rmra/mps/mpshome)

Floors

• Floors to be waterproof and slip-resistant. [COMPMOD]

Walls & Ceilings

• Walls & ceilings to be primed with mold-blocking primer per the Mold Standard Procedure. [COMPMOD]

Stretch

• Install domestic dishwashing machines in new construction.
• Provide backsplashes for the full height between the countertop and cabinet above. Lesson Learned: tamperproof mechanical fasteners instead of glue could allow the removal of backsplash panels for future access to plumbing chases. [COMPMOD]
• Provide larger cooking ranges. Lesson Learned: The current standard 20” range is a common complaint from residents. [COMPMOD]
• Provide rock wool insulation for sound deadening between apartments. [COMPMOD]
• Assume all-electric ranges in units (with a preference for induction ranges), if feasible to convert from natural gas. [PACT]
• Install ultra-high efficiency water-saving fixtures. [SA]
• Stop and prevent building plumbing systems leakage. [SA]
• Upgrade mechanical ventilation systems for mold prevention. [SA]

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Ensure Accessibility & Inclusion

Prioritize Sustainable Materials, Technologies & Practices

CompModPACTSustainability Agenda

Last Updated on October 16, 2024 at 1:46 pm

Downloads and Data

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Specifications

06 10 00 – Rough Carpentry

06 20 00 – Finish Carpentry

06 41 00 – Architectural Wood Casework – Kitchens

09 22 36.10 – Furring and Lathing

09 23 00 – Plastering

09 29 10 – Gypsum Board Assemblies

09 30 13 – Ceramic Tiling

09 65 00 – Resilient Flooring

09 90 00 – Painting

22 40 00 – Plumbing Fixtures

Diagrams