Honorable MentionSubmitted by:
Pamela Kay Lamaster-Millett
Searl and Associates Architects, P.C.
500 N. Dearborn #950
Chicago, IL 60610
Gus Berthold Electric Company-Office Remodeling
Gus Berthold Electric Company manufactures custom components for electrical infrastructure. The manufacturing plant and engineering staff offices are all located within a one-story masonry building constructed in the 1950's. The design included more private offices for managers and administrative staff, a new conference room, and kitchenette. Organization of equipment was critical in the new space, for efficient work flow from offices to manufacturing plant. A central copy/storage/file room separates the administrative offices from the engineering workstations. High traffic floors are tiled with durable, high polished composite stone, and the lobby walls are clad in perforated aluminum to protect the surface and texture. The main corridor is defined by a metal frame inspired by the bus duct company manufacturers. Stained MDF panels fill in between the steel framework on the walls, and alternating perforated aluminum panels enclosing the corridor ceiling filter the light, creating a rhythm to break up the long hall. The corridor framework also organizes the rows of workstations with MDF desktops. The front and side panels of the office systems are metal with square perforations for visual contrast. Copper bars, as used in the company's custom switch gear, are seen throughout the millwork details, along with other materials and fixtures reminiscent of electrical circuitry. All materials were selected for their compatibility with the industrial environment and cost effectiveness.
Boca Raton, FL 33486 561-447-7511 IPERF.org
