NBWLA Studio

BACKGROUND

Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects had been seeking a new home for their Charlottesville studio, and identified a former telephone exchange building, built in 1907. The building was part of a small complex of aging structures, and featured industrial-strength timber framing consistent with its original use supporting massive electronic systems.

STUDIO ORGANIZATION

The northern-most volume makes the headpiece of the composition: a two-story design studio. A sculpture by artist Dee Briggs is suspended within the large opening connecting the two floors, occupying both upper and lower studios. This element serves as the connection between upper and lower studios. This was an important element for Thomas Woltz, principal and owner of NBW, who sought to unite the design staff spatially and through art.

Individual buildings take on discrete program elements

SITE COMPOSITION

The street-facing two-story volume contains design studios. A courtyard connecting to the street gives access to the primary entry, at the basement level, as well as a common conference room, which occupies a former garage building. The roof of the conference room supports a roof garden.

STEEL FABRICATIONS

Custom steel fabrications were designed and deployed throughout the project. A two-story guard at the primary stair provides opportunities for interesting shadow-play and appreciation of craft in  an area that is physically isolated from the open studio spaces, but traveled by every occupant daily.

Precise masonry work restored the structure while complying with historic tax credit requirements