Large projects like this one deserve the same attention to detail that we would put into, say, a custom residential structure. Just because it is a factory does not mean it cannot be cool and well planned.

Most of this building is just a giant pre-engineered metal box to hold large industrial metal machining equipment. No big deal really – except maybe the 360 foot runs of insulated translucent wall panels down both sides that floods the interior of the shop with natural light during the day and the 111’ foot span, 20 ton capacity that runs the entire 400’ length of the building.

Where most of the design and detailing happens is in the two-story, structural steel office block attached to the front of the building. The exterior of this block is clad with a few different types of ribbed metal panels and composite metal panels in various colors that might resemble some sort of industrial machine. Since the building exists with concrete and paving around most of it we suggested building a nice little landscaped courtyard that the main conference room looks into. Incidentally, when you work for a client that has cool metal working equipment at his disposal you can do some cool things. We designed a pattern of interlocking circle segments and the client cut them out of stainless steel sheets which we installed between masonry piers to enclose the landscaped courtyard. We continue with the industrial aesthetic inside the offices by exposing the steel structure and heating and air conditioning ducts. GCI Design, Inc. selected and coordinated the interior finishes and furniture to complete the look.

 Photography by Grifford Images