Loaded for Bear

673 South Cooper, Memphis, TN 38104 United States

Building Area (sf): 3,300 sf

Completion: December 2018

Architect of Record:

archimania

archimania

• Owner/Client:
• General Contractor: Grinder, Taber & Grinder
• Electrical: OZER Structural Engineering - Structural
  Haltom Engineering - Mechanical
  DePouw Engineering - Electrical
  
• Engineering:
  
• Other:
  
• Photography:
  firm
  

An established ad firm desired a new space that would optimize their daily workflow and allow for growth and encourage collaboration.

The space was designed within a reclaimed aging commercial corridor building utilizing traditional building materials in creative ways to achieve a clean, efficient, and refined space with a layout that fosters community within a growing office.
The program consists of a center spine workroom with layout space, printing, and a pin-up area. The exterior perimeter walls of the workroom, which double as circulation and gallery space, are wrapped in a trackable acoustic material.

Workroom walls do not extend to the deck, allowing for light and airflow to pass over the space and provide a more open feel. The private offices, meeting areas, and conference room wrap around the workroom core. South of the workroom are the open office, break, and lounge areas. Exterior windows along the open offices were cut down to be full height, allowing for more northern light as well as views to the courtyard beyond. Storefront windows were added to create a stronger connection with the community.

Acoustical materials like tectum and carpet were used above and below the open offices and break area in addition to the sound absorbent material cladding the workroom walls. The space celebrates its existing (re-polished) terrazzo floors where possible. The light fixtures and desking were built with raw construction materials: linear base model LED fixtures sandwiched by raw metal studs. Counters and worktops use wood tones to provide warmth in the otherwise cool-toned space. The worksurfaces were made from clear-coated wood doors and side panels were made from clear-coated plywood panels.