Robert Dunay, and Joe Wheeler Receive AIA Award

Robert Dunay, AIA and Joseph Wheeler, AIA received a state Award of Excellence in Architecture from the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects. Honored at the Visions for Architecture gala in November at the State Capital, Wheeler and Dunay’s design for a Meditation Room was cited from 171 submissions. Constructed for a segment of “Extreme Makeover — Home Edition”, the jury focused its praise on attention to material and special composition. Components from a previous design research project for the Department of Energy were applied to create a particular space that aligns with the needs of the client. Polycarbonate walls filled with nanogel yield a high insulation value while providing beautiful translucent natural light. LED lights in the walls allow any room color, while a special roof structure and skylight establish the identity of a room of one’s own. Jury Chair, Carlos Jimenez remarked, “We were taken away by the simple beauty of this little pavilion.”