Honorable MentionMark Bowers, AIA
Architectural Workshop
280 South Pennsylvania Street
Denver, Colorado 80209
Phone: (303) 788-1717
Email: info@archshop.com
The Design Studio
280 South Pennsylvania Street was built in 1933 to be the “corner grocery store” in the middle of a mixed-use neighborhood. Originally constructed of masonry and timber, the building was subsequently split into two condo units, and the storefront was replaced with a false stone and stucco façade integrated with small residential windows. The inside spaces of each unit were narrow and dark, and the front of the building was bland. Architectural Workshop, however, saw an opportunity to display its core values of innovation, relativity, and sustainability while creating a fun, workshop environment for its employees.
The goal of the 280 South Penn rejuvenation was to restore the historic integrity of the original building while giving it new life. Incorporating sustainable features was a top priority; finishes and building systems were specially selected to create a healthy and inspiring environment while dramatically reducing the building’s carbon footprint. The final design, incorporating innovative ideas from every member of the office, was a true illustration of the ‘workshop’ philosophy of the firm.
To return the space to its original layout interior walls were removed and low ceilings taken down. Approximately ninety percent of the demolished materials were successfully recycled, reused or donated.
To flood the space with natural light and air, the front façade was opened up by installing floor-to-ceiling storefront with high-performance glass. Perforated metal panels incorporated into the storefront system now provide shading on the windows while enhancing the lighting in the studio space. At the front door location the perforated metal panels were bent to create a back lit canopy. New operable windows and skylights coordinate with a high efficiency swamp cooler to provide cooling and natural ventilation throughout the space. The original hotwater heating system was refurbished to provide radiant heat to the perimeter. By reusing the system, 1200 pounds of steel were reclaimed within the building.
The historic masonry structure was restored as much as possible, with all of the exterior walls and roof being super-insulated to create a new building envelope that is 160 percent more energy-efficient than before the renovation. The electrical system was upgraded and new LED light sources were utilized throughout. With the low-consumption lighting, light sensors and controlled switching, the entire office building now operates on less than 60 amps of power. Photovoltaic solar panels are mounted on the roof and provide approximately one-third of the building’s power consumption. Interior finishes, meanwhile, consist of bamboo flooring, cork and recycled carpets. As an aesthetic bonus, the center of the space features a native alpine rock garden.
The outside areas in front of and in the back of the building used to be ninety-five percent impervious. The paved areas now are reduced by thirty percent and replaced with low-water consumption plantings, gravel gardens and reused brick pavers, making way for a 300-square-foot patio, which functions as a gathering space in the back. Transforming the roof allowed for the housing of solar panels, a small roof deck and native grasses to create the first green roof in the neighborhood. Sixty percent of the site is now planted or permeable, a dramatic improvement from the original site. With the sustainable features having been incorporated into the building, The Design Studio qualifies for LEED Gold certification. Not only will this little remodel be a superb place to work and conduct business, it will also be an outstanding example of how sustainable design can be incorporated into the everyday life of the urban neighborhood.
The outside areas in front of and in the back of the building used to be ninety-five percent impervious. The paved areas now are reduced by thirty percent and replaced with low-water consumption plantings, gravel gardens and reused brick pavers, making way for a 300-square-foot patio, which functions as a gathering space in the back. Transforming the roof allowed for the housing of solar panels, a small roof deck and native grasses to create the first green roof in the neighborhood. Sixty percent of the site is now planted or permeable, a dramatic improvement from the original site.
With the sustainable features having been incorporated into the building, The Design Studio qualifies for LEED Gold certification. Not only will this little remodel be a superb place to work and conduct business, it will also be an outstanding example of how sustainable design can be incorporated into the everyday life of the urban neighborhood.
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