Page 26 - ArchDC_Summer2021

The space before renovation. Courtesy of Studio
Twenty Seven Architecture

For Studio Twenty Seven’s offices, moving pre-
existing sprinkler lines—laid out for a configuration
of separate rooms—was cost-prohibitive. This put
additional pressure to locate everything else as
precisely as possible. The landlord and general
contractor initially assumed, incorrectly, that it
would all be “painted out”—a tried-and-true
technique to ameliorate aesthetically-problematic
service elements in exposed ceilings. But the rich color
of the terra cotta block is critical to the character of
the space. Accordingly, “We were very intentional
about penetrations and routing of HVAC, wiring,
and IT infrastructure, and locations of light fixtures,”
said Klinner. “It was a challenge to hold everyone
accountable [to install it per the plans]…but it Main conference room.
was necessary.”
The furnishings are minimalist in character, with
their materials and colors drawn from the rawness
and richness of the terra cotta block ceiling and steel
columns. The workstations, each with a generous three
by eight feet of desk surface, are custom, as is the rest
of the millwork and metalwork, including the vitrine-
like installation at the “welcome” area, in which Studio
Twenty Seven displays architectural models. Perforated
metal panels appear in various places and recall the
rivet patterns on the columns.
In buildings larger than houses, structural
columns must be fire-rated. Concrete is inherently
fire-resistant, but steel is subject to melting in the heat
of a fire, and thus additional protection is required.
Drywall enclosure is commonly used, but another
option is intumescent paint, which is a thick coating
that, when exposed to the heat of a fire, will rapidly
expand to a very stiff foam that protects the underlying
material. Intumescent paint is comparatively expensive,
but it met Studio Twenty Seven’s goal to expose and
celebrate the columns.
The lease was signed and most of the design
work completed in 2019. Construction started in
February 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic
hit. There were hurried, worried discussions as to
whether the construction should be halted and the
design reconsidered. But it wasn’t clear (then or now)
what form a post-pandemic office would or should
Studio space as seen from the entry.
24 LOFTY AMBITIONS