Site Plan

We designed and installed two modern contemporary courtyards of Pyrotek’s international headquarters. Both were basically large deep window wells with pedestrian brides overhead leading from the street to building entrances. (East Courtyard)

The existing areas, 20 feet below street level were cold, stark, uninviting abandoned space. Access was a challenge as were solid bedrock, drainage, shade and finding space for mechanical, hydraulics and water storage for the two water features. (East Courtyard)

Viewed from street and pedestrian bridges, the project design had to be strong enough to stand up to the strong lines and light/dark contrast of the modern building.

Cranes were needed to lift machinery and materials down into the space. There was no on-site staging or material storage. Space was at a premium both for working and for site functions such as drainage.

International visitors viewed the courtyard from the main building entrance bridge It was essential that the project represent the company culture in clean simple lines and as an employee amenity. Note the interior exercise room enjoying natural light. (East Courtyard)

Connection of the outdoor environment with interior office space through floor to ceiling windows is a rare opportunity in busy downtown areas. (East Courtyard)

To visually warm the space, Ipe wood was used for flooring and wall cladding. To facilitate drainage below the decking an elevated paver system was installed. This provided level patios without any grade breaks.

The finish floor surface is only slightly above the building’s footings. The solution; an elevated paver system designed for rooftop patios, created level patio and deck space above the sloped concrete drainage system.

The customer Pyrotek is a leader in the global aluminum industry. To represent them, our design included aluminum and other metals in the water features, custom planters and site furnishings. (North courtyard)

In the north courtyard, under the bridge, the elevated paver system and other construction materials are used again for continuity but the massing is changed. (North courtyard)

The water feature is used to define and separate the space into areas for smaller groups. Bamboo will grow tall to soften the stark wall and form a canopy. (North courtyard)

Sheet falls mute street noise but in this small walled reverberating area must be kept small enough to not inhibit conversation. Existing wall alcoves were re-purposed for lighting. (North courtyard)

Construction challenges can lead to great design solutions. (East courtyard)