Hamilton County ESC (Educational Service Center)

Project Narrative

The renovation and addition of the Hamilton County (HC) ESC offices more than doubles the size of the original structure. The design was driven by the changing needs of the organization: eliminating barriers to communication, collaboration and workflow processes. This was accomplished by optimizing critical adjacencies and providing multiple seamless work environments.

The project, fully occupied during construction, was completed in two phases and consisted of two core functions: ADDITION – workplace functions and RENOVATION – professional development and training, which is public-facing. The core functions come together in a modern secure lobby and internal open-air courtyard. One wing can be shut off as training activities take place in the other.

The original building had become derided for its lack of access to natural daylight (only 17-windows over 25,000sf) and interior environment comprised of maze-like hallways and private offices. The building did not reflect the community-based culture at HC ESC. By contrast, the addition harnesses natural daylight, optimizing views from nearly every interior space – most notably from a radiused fully glazed wall that stretches along the north elevation. South-facing punched openings and strategically located skylights further connect occupants to the outside.

Multiple design iterations led to the uniting of the old and new structures by wrapping them in a warm skin of wood-cladding. The natural wood theme continues to the modern interior which is highlighted by custom geometric wallcoverings and acoustical treatments.

                                           

Project Details

Submission Category

Building Architecture- Large Scale (>10,000 sf)

Date of Completion

May, 2020