This unique office environment for a national general contracting firm reflects a distinct corporate culture as well as specific regional and environmental influences. Located in the Old Town area of Pasadena, this 7,300 SF space occupies the entire third floor of a three-level commercial building which was the former location of a local steakhouse restaurant. While the restaurant may have been unremarkable, the space itself featured three walls of glass with access to a linear roof top terrace with dramatic views of the Old Town Area directly above the Rose Parade route. As a company that frequently entertains clients, vendors and consultants, this patio was particularly enticing. This exterior environment became the driving force behind the design concept of the space as well as an opportunity to develop effective and integrated environmental strategies.
Based on a contemporary abstraction of a Pasadena loft, this open plan environment features more residential than commercial based design features and spaces. The studio work space provides direct connections to the outdoor terrace and amenity spaces providing increased opportunities to work and socialize.
Multiple stair, elevator and mechanical shafts provide perimeter visual separation for more enclosed spaces and functions. Skylights are strategically located on the densely populated roof and placed above stretched fabric membranes which diffuse the natural daylight.
The space is accessed from a three-level escalator which brings visitors through a secure second level foyer into a sun-drenched lobby anchored by a floor to ceiling living wall.
Natural wood floors further stress the loft design abstraction while providing a basis for the warm, organic pallet of natural materials and finishes. The collaborative areas within the studio are designed as living, social and entertaining spaces and feature vintage art and furnishings contrasting state of the art open work stations and technology systems.
The outside terrace area was increased through the restructuring of an adjacent roof area increasing the usable space to over 3,000 SF. The exterior programmed spaces feature lounge and collaborative spaces as well as a full exterior wine bar and BBQ.
As an office for a general contractor, the space provided multiple opportunities for self-perform and construction demonstrations.
Specific tradition, work and corporate cultural references are incorporated as graphic and art features furthering the regional office expression.
Environmental strategies include operable window and door connections to the exterior, the proliferation of filtered daylight, natural and recycled materials and finishes, high performance mechanical systems and equipment, and ergonomic work spaces featuring sit to stand pneumatic desks.
As a reflection of a specific regional location, this design incorporates distinct and traditional work processes combined with progressive planning strategies, local aesthetic abstractions and smart sustainable design strategies. The result is a comfortable and effective work environment as well as a showcase for a unique corporate culture.
