The notion of transforming space by inserting objects into a void became the starting point of our investigation and design for the Raleigh Studios Administrative Offices in Manhattan Beach. Carefully locating these insertions and articulating their materiality makes each evident in the other. 

 

"I am interested in the binding of time in materials and places that reveals the stone in a flower and the flower in a stone."

-Andy Goldsworthy; Stone; Harry N. Abrams, Inc.; 1994

 

Given was a long narrow space defined by a windowless wall abutting a parking structure to the west contrasted by large repeating windows to the east. Contemplating the way in which to insert the new office program into the void between two dichotomous surfaces, we chose to invert the more traditional office plan where executive offices typically claim the window walls leaving the windowless interior spaces for support staff. Instead, we offered the window wall to an open, common area with workstations openly linked to the reception and waiting area. Private offices glance through this open space to the perimeter windows through walls of glass and sculpted soffits. 

 

The open and naturally lit work environment is further defined by carefully chosen materials and surface articulations.  The individual reading of separate and unique materials is exponentially enhanced when assembled together and read within the context of the whole.

 

FLOORS

Natural 3 ply vertical grained bamboo and tufted textured loop solution dyed carpet create a light, directional ground plane.

 

WALLS

Glass, with its inherent reflective, refractive and transparent qualities in the presence of light, and subtle paint colors minimizes separation while enhancing volumetric presence.

 

WORKSTATIONS

Stain on micro density fiberboard (MDF) reveals the material's physical composition.  The seemingly floating planes of glass unexpectedly rise out of ribbed paper panels made from blended recycled newspaper and glue.

 

CABINETRY

The power of hot-rolled steel is made evident via thin shelf brackets supporting stained MDF.

 

CEILING

The fractured articulation of the floating ceiling panels enhances the relationship of the glass wall as a dividing element.
 

When brought together like the stone and flower, each material reveals itself in the other.