PROJECT  Architecture Office

LOCATION Baltimore, Maryland, US​

ARCHITECT GWWO Architects

CLIENT GWWO Architects

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM Terry Squyres, Joshua Adcock, Danielle Peters, Patrick Fava & Evan Lehner

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
CONTRACTOR 28 Walker Development

ENGINEERS





PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Holdsworth

CONSULTANTS (if applicable)

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  6/19/2023

PROJECT SUMMARY
The Liberty Building in Locust Point’s McHenry Row embodies Baltimore’s authentic spirit and industrial history. Built in 1921 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the two-story, 45,000 SF facility originally served as a factory. Now, a new firm has become a part of the building’s unfinished story after their adoption of the second floor of this remarkable historic gem. The firm’s design philosophy originates in physical, cultural, and historical project context, and so this renovated office exemplifies the profound relationship between history and the present. The adaptive reuse celebrates the building’s original character and spirit by featuring its open spaces, brick walls, structural wood surfaces, and oversized windows and skylights.

Natural and durable locally sourced materials filled in where existing materials were not available, creating a sustainable and biophilic atmosphere along with fifty-eight feet of shelves for plants. Handcrafted walnut wood paneling perfectly complements the building’s existing wood features and adds depth to a warm palette. The walnut wood slab countertops and sixteen-foot conference room table were also built and installed by local artisans. Sections of the factory’s original natural pinewood floor that had been damaged or removed were ingeniously patched by harvesting from carpeted areas; the refinished wood then became a stunning focus of the large, centralized kitchen and gathering/design space.

To create an energizing, comfortable work environment worthy of the firm’s collaborative culture, the design incorporates several aspects of the WELL Building Standard, especially beneficial to health and well-being, including extraordinary access to natural light throughout the studio, improved acoustical performance, and an artistic layer which infuses beauty and design throughout. An acoustically absorptive woven felt panel, honoring design and craftsmanship, hangs at the terminus of the entry path and defines a quiet zone with high-backed sofas for focused work and low conversation. A commissioned photographic mural by a local artist of the firm’s former industrial home commemorates the firm’s long history there and its tradition of occupying repurposed factory space. A sixty-three-foot photo mural comprised of architectural details from the firm’s portfolio inspires and informs future work. Prints by graphic artists memorialize several iconic destinations where the firm has worked.

Studio workspaces foster both teamwork and independent focus. With sit-to-stand desks and personal and project-based storage, the design balances individual and shared team project needs. The large, open common area is the literal and figurative heart of the office as it fosters the firm’s rich culture of investing heavily in collaboration and professional and personal development. It offers multiple types of seating, from sofas for grouped conversations to movable rolling chairs. A large kitchen and seating area with a relaxed atmosphere flexibly morphs between a welcoming community dining area and an intriguing designers’ material library that uses museum-quality display shelving to showcase novel building materials. A variety of sizes of traditional and adaptive conference rooms support the firm’s internal and external communications; breakout areas host design conversations with soft seating and virtual reality lab equipment while several two-person meeting rooms facilitate privacy.

JURY COMMENTS (if applicable)

IMAGES – CAPTIONS & CREDITS

Image 1  Designer's Library / Tom Holdsworth
Image 2  Exterior Gallery / Tom Holdsworth
Image 3  Interior Gallery / Tom Holdsworth
Image 4  Studio with Views / Tom Holdsworth
Image 5  Breakout Room / Tom Holdsworth
Image 6  Studio / Tom Holdsworth
Image 7  Common Area / Tom Holdsworth
Image 8  Conference Room / Tom Holdsworth

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF