Best of 2005 Awards

Matrix Global Academy

Project of the Year: Small Projects (under $10 million)

When Matrix decided to open its first school for professional hair-care education, the company chose an 11,000-sq.-ft. loft in Manhattan's Greenwich Village.

The space was previously a garden shop in a first-floor loft building that was not compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. And the owner wanted to craft the multiuse space using trendy yet functional materials such as vinyl flooring, which has a natural look but will not stain.

The space also had to accommodate significant electrical and plumbing infrastructure required to support a hair care teaching facility.

And ultimately, the Matrix Global Academy wanted to conjure a hip, downtown feel. The Best of 2005 judges deemed it a goal accomplished.

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"[We] thought it was great," one judge said. "Out of all the projects, [it] had personality."

While the academy had its grand opening last December, major construction of the site was not completed until January. The project team refused to disclose the budget, though it confirmed the total was less than $10 million. Matrix, which is a division of L'Oréal USA, also did not respond to a request for the exact cost.

The project team installed a series of improvements that completely transformed the space, starting with new infrastructure. The space now has 55 tons of air conditioning, 180 circuits for hair dryers, and specialty plumbing for both salons and training rooms.

The team also designed and installed a new ADA-compliant lift that is accessible from the exterior of the building. And it widened the hallways and redesigned the lavatories.

The space employs sculptural forms, including a multipurpose room with flexible walls that can be divided into three smaller classrooms or opened to create one large hall with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. The elaborate lighting set-up allows the academy to create various illumination effects.

In addition, the project team installed LED lighting that helps to draw attention to the academy at night from the street. A 14- by 20-ft. wall of plasma televisions facing the street also serves as an electronic billboard.

Key Players

Owner: Matrix

Client Representative: Quartararo & Associates

Architect: Gensler Architecture

Construction Manager: JT Magen & Co.

Lighting Design: Hillman DiBernardo & Associates

Structural Engineer: Severud Associates

M-E-P Engineer: Edwards & Zuck

Drywall-Carpentry: Glenn Partition

Demolition: Patriot Contractors

Plumbing: Preferred Mechanical

Structural Steel: Kraman Iron Works

HVAC: Manhattan Mechanical Contractors

Electrical: Atlas-Acon Electrical Service

Metal & Glass: Empire Architectural Metal