JHL Design converts deserted Portland penthouse into moody workplace area for tech agency
US studio JHL Design emphasised “the interaction of sunshine and shadow” and different traditional Japanese rules when turning a vacant penthouse in Portland right into a tech agency’s workplace area.
The downtown Portland constructing was constructed in 1927, although had been empty for a few years earlier than the mission was initiated. Massive glass home windows that overlook town lent to its desirability as a brand new workplace for a expertise firm.
Concrete angled partitions improve the sensation of roughness within the area, which Liz Morgan, JHL Design’s artistic director, was adamant on conserving.
As a way to preserve these qualities, there’s a lack of ending alongside the partitions, showcasing the darkened and marked concrete.
“The partitions are part of the constructing’s wealthy historic texture,” Morgan advised Dezeen. “The mansard roof and gabled dormers are significantly uncommon for an workplace area and add to the historic high quality of the constructing.”
Outdated terrazzo remnants have been unearthed unexpectedly whereas treating the concrete flooring.
“We have been delighted after we found them,” Morgan mentioned. “Not solely have been they a phenomenal texture and color, however additionally they contributed to the wabi sabi parts of the area we have been working so diligently to protect; the imperfections created via time.”
In distinction to conventional workplaces, the central area was left opened “to intensify the excessive ceilings and angled structure”. The free-flowing design was chosen to be extra appropriate for informal gatherings, versatile work area and communal eating.
Morgan envisioned an intimate entryway off of the elevator that might create an fascinating transition strolling into the brighter, full-height area. The decrease ceiling and dark-stained wallpaper would additionally conceal mechanical gear overhead.
“The inspiration got here from the area’s structure itself – the repetition of the columns and the way in which wherein they framed the area,” Morgan mentioned.
“We wished to emphasize the inherent drama of the area by making a transitional zone via a lowered ceiling and darker end materials, in addition to a Phillip Jeffries thick woven wall protecting we hand-stained black on-site.”
Henry Wilson lighting flanks the entry in forged bronze, and Allied Maker pendants dangle over the kitchen island. Lighting within the banquette space is from Equipment and the cloud-like pendants all through are by Molo Design.
ZGF Architects transforms historic Portland financial institution constructing into Expensify workplace
JHL Design’s purchasers had additionally lived in Kyoto for a number of years, which influenced refined nods to Japanese varieties and supplies. Morgan chosen Alaskan Yellow Cedar for the development of the workplace wall system. Complementing the aesthetic are hand-woven textiles and rugs, textured stone, hand-glazed ceramic tiles, and forged bronze that naturally patinas over time.
“In our exploration of Japanese structure, we have been impressed by the emphasis on the interaction of sunshine and shadow to create poetic moments that evoke emotional and sensorial responses,” she mentioned.
Rugs have been sourced from SMG Collective, a Portland rug vendor who works with weavers worldwide. Customized pillows have been made with a leather-based and wool-woven textile from Loro Piana, and a cotton and virgin wool textile piece comes from Azulina Dwelling.
The mission is amongst a quantity which have turned historic areas within the metropolis in workplaces. Examples embrace ZGF Architects’ transformation of an historic financial institution constructing into Expensify workplaces and a 20th-century constructing that Casework became a collaborative hub for a digital product company.
Pictures is by Haris Kenjar.