By challenging the standard planning principles of the business park subdivision, H2Office is a building that blurs architecture, landscape, water management and sustainability. Early on, development guidelines were pushed with the desire to locate the building closer to the site’s retention pond. In breaking the predefined lot lines, the idea of a “building as a bridge” emerged, positioning the structure directly above water, and building on a site that is otherwise unbuildable.
The narrow volume, supported on thin columns, draws a prairie datum line across the retention pond, offering abundant natural daylight and expansive views of the landscape. Through clear detailing, the exterior butt-jointed mirror-glazing allows the building to embed itself in its surroundings and reflect the modulating landscape.The metal cladding, with custom formulated dark metallic finish, responds to the exterior light quality, from shimmering in full daylight to a having a subtle, delicate quality at dusk.
Smartpark’s vision is to build “a community of innovators” and the building’s architecture serves to strengthen this vision by pushing the boundaries of the expected and by positioning Smartpark and its tenants as innovative collaborators within a global community. The open office environment encourages mobility and communication. Informal meeting and gathering spaces provide opportunity for social interaction by allowing staff to collaborate effectively in a variety of settings.
With its distinctive architecture; open and flexible interior office space; natural daylight; exposed steel structure with complementary warm natural finishes; energy efficient under-floor air distribution; and direct/indirect lighting; H2Office creates a premium office environment for its clients and employees, and a clear landmark in the Smartpark Research and Technology Park.
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