Red Velvet Events Headquarters is a project about structural preservation and re-invention of an abandoned building into 21st century office space. Built during World War II as an airfield maintenance shed, the curved structure had sat abandoned for years and had become home to feral animals. Over time, the structure had been patched and covered inside-and-out, with a suspended ceiling and layers of roofing materials.
Our primary move was to remove the layers of time and expose the unique curved structure to the street. The architecture of the exterior opens itself to the street through a new 24 foot high glass curtainwall, allowing for daylight and drama. The curved sides of the building are roofs, rebuilt with modern insulation, roofing and skylights for daylighting. To support the roof behind the curtainwall, a curved steel lateral frame was added, ingeniously designed by Tak Chu of LEAP structures.
The secondary move was one of adding new interior elements independent of the curved structure. Only one new interior wall and duct extends to the roof. Careful consideration was given to integrating HVAC and other building systems within the center bay of the building. Ductwork, plumbing and loud spaces were intentionally centralized to control sound and minimize the visual impact of building systems. Other walls are free-standing partitions that help punctuate the open office and conceal storage spaces for the many Event and Party props the company uses.
To make the office adaptable, all electrical and data wiring was located into special built floor chases, that are fully accessible. This allowed our client and future users to modify furniture and uses for future needs. The client’s branding message “Outplan. Outplay . Outparty!” is showcased on façade to act like a billboard, illuminated nightly to sell their brand message to the thousands of drivers daily.