Program
· Flexible floor plan to accommodate various potential lease holders
· Energy efficient
· Take advantage of riverfront location
· Distinctive contemporary design which reflects the industrial heritage of the site.
· Provide an economic catalyst in an emerging community development area.
Project Site:
· The building is located on a narrow site sandwiched between the street/railroad tracks and the Winooski River. The entire riverfront of this area is part of the City of Montpelier’s new redevelopment area. The area was once predominated by railroad related manufacturing and granite finishing plants. The site is on the fringe of the City downtown core.
Design Solution:
· The building has a simple rectangular footprint oriented with the long dimension facing the river reflecting the historic massing of past manufacturing plants. This is a skin building. The exterior skin cladding materials consist of corrugated galvanized steel panels for the roof and North facades. Wood and glass on the gable ends and river elevation. The street/railroad elevation is designed with punched openings and “taught” detailing in response to the North orientation and noise control. The galvanized steel panels of the North facade wrap around the corners of the gable ends to draw the eye into the building at the entries. The river façade is designed with larger openings and a more casual rhythm of glass and naturally weathering wood. The gable ends contain the building entries and exterior decks are more transparent and animated in detailing.
· The building interior floor plates are designed for open and flexible office planning. Building services and utility spaces are arranged along the North edge of the plan reflecting less natural light as well as noise buffering. Exposed structural elements are a gesture to the industrial heritage of the site as well as providing a light and airy feel to the spaces. The open floor plan spaces are broken up by free standing “privacy boxes” which define work groupings as well as define a sense of personal place. Many interior finishes are left in their natural state and special emphasis was placed on utilizing recycled materials. Day-lighting and chimney effect natural ventilation are utilized for maximum energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.