1992
1992
1992
1992
(w/ Gensler)
About Me
About Me
About Me
About Me
About Me
Edmonds, WA
425.673.2695
Modern Creative Office Space
simplehuman
Torrance,CA
2012
26,500 SF Creative Office
6,500 SF Basketball Court
5,000 SF Warehouse
7,200 SF Rental Office
Site: The client, simplehuman, is a privately owned design and development company specializing in housewares. The owner purchased a 1960’s 35,000 square-foot warehouse for their corporate offices. The building was tilt-up concrete wall construction with interior roof framing 26 feet above the floor. During an earlier remodel, before the purchase, windows were cut into the concrete panels to bring additional light into the space.
With the exception of the slab, tilt-up concrete walls and roof, the building was at the end of its life cycle, requiring a total upgrade. The building was gutted and seismically retrofitted to bring the building up to code. The mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were completely overhauled.
Clients Vision: The client desired what is termed as “creative office space,” an office having a more open floor plan with fewer enclosed offices, versus outdated, conventional office space. He wanted a modern one-story light-filled office space, open to the roof structure with exposed mechanical systems and large skylights. For the employees, he wanted social gathering areas, including kitchens, multi-purpose areas for dining and lounging.
Another of my client’s “wishes” as opposed to “wants” was, a basketball court somewhere in the building, placed where it wouldn’t jeopardize the functionality of the office.
Resulting Design: Fortunately, the building had a wide column spacing allowing the basketball court to fit between the columns. What was at first an obstacle, transformed into an opportunity. The court’s shear size required the various departments and functions to stretch out and push toward the exterior walls.
This idea also worked very well with the client’s desire to bring light into the office. Placing all the work areas not requiring ceilings around the perimeter against the exterior wall allows for light, and views out. All rooms requiring ceilings were gathered against the full height walls of the basketball court. Above these rooms the space remained open to the roof structure allowing a visual extension of space.
An idea developed from this: An interior "street," connecting all the departments and functions. The street, starting at the entry, directs and guides you along its route developing changing views, scales, surprises and visual relief as you wind through the space and departments. The return down the street, in the other direction, provides a whole different set of experiences and perspectives.
Today, beyond just basketball, the basketball court serves many social functions for simplehuman, helping to build bonds and bring the staff together.
Designed while at Gensler LA. Interior furnishing selections and color palette by Agnes Freeman.