CSHQA Offices

Project Details

Project Description

PROVIDED BY AIA IDAHO:

A new architecture office is housed in a 60-year-old former railway warehouse on the periphery of downtown Boise. The architect as client provided architecture, engineering, interior, and landscape design with security, fire protection and commissioning provided by others. The project is registered with a goal of LEED™ Platinum.

An empty, yet sturdy structure of brick and CMU walls with 10-inch interior concrete columns and wood roof structure offered tremendous potential and a great location. It was the opportunity the firm was seeking to reinvent and transform the physical brand, internal culture and community perception of the 125-year-old firm. The firm wanted to push the envelope of design and creativity while creating an environment for learning and demonstration. The new office is a living laboratory for sustainable and energy efficient design.

Moving from a multiple floor, “cube farm” space planning configuration to an open and collaborative single-story studio has reinvigorated the company culture. Sustainable design goals were met with radiant heating and cooling, an independent ventilation system, daylight harvesting and LED lighting, and 4,580-sf of interior glass walls and exterior windows. The use of bold colors and a wall of hardhats give visitors a glimpse of a creative and playful company. An inventive CPU heat recovery system and display “windows” into the mechanical systems demonstrate problem solving and innovative, sustainable architecture.

As a healthy, sustainable and energy efficient space for creating architecture and conducting business the new office has exceeded expectations.