The Studio/Warehouse is an industrial shell - four concrete walls, a floor slab, and a roof. As a structure it is rugged, elemental, and immutable. As an ‘interior space’ however, it is open, adaptable, fluid and ever-changing.
The exterior of the Studio/Warehouse is defined by commanding concrete walls. These solid surfaces are punctuated by sparse openings: an industrial-scale overhead door for shipping and receiving; a glazed storefront entrance; and a band of clerestory windows set in front of roof trusses. This belt of high windows moderates the ‘tough-ness’ of the concrete facade by exposing to view a delicate latticework of trusses and the deliberate rhythm of triangular ‘ribbon bracing’.
Inside, the atmosphere is ethereal. Natural daylight pours through the clerestory windows, bathing the concrete floors and whitewashed walls in a soft, diffused glow. It is a dynamic ambiance that quietly changes throughout the day, as sun and cloud sweep across the sky.
Structural, mechanical and electrical elements are left unconcealed, celebrated for their inherent beauty and efficiency. These raw, utilitarian components are an essential part of the building’s character as they foster the flexibility and adaptability of the space. It is as much an industrial workshop as it is a creative studio, easily accommodating everything from industrial fabrication to the creation of large-scale sculptural art. The open floor plan allows the Studio/Warehouse to evolve with its users, ensuring that it remains both functional and inspiring, a testament to the merit of thoughtful, adaptable architecture.
Location: Genelle, BC
Client/Owner: Private
Team: SOA (Architect), Juniper Engineering (Structural), Rocky Point Engineering (Mechanical), True Engineering (Civil),
Crowsnest Engineering (Geotechnical), Hil-Tech Contracting Ltd. (General Contractor)
Photos: Bryce Duffy, SOA
Status: Built