Austin award-winning architecture and interiors firm, Mark Odom Studio, renovated a two-story, 10,000 square foot office building with innovative solutions to adaptively reuse a 54 year-old commercial building, offering more accessibility without taking away the leasable square footage. The original structure has been completely reimagined into a modern creative office building featuring loads of green space, ample parking, Class A finishes, an outdoor amenity garden, and more.
Built in 1970, the two-story building, situated on a half-acre lot, had a distinct, unusual triangle shape. The architects used the odd configuration to a design advantage keeping the original footprint and some framing. “Removing the exterior limestone and turrets that were at each point of the triangle allowed us to see the floor plan and design in its truest form. This also made possible for a large 12-foot window wall accommodating conference rooms on both floors,” says Erin Nies, Principal, Mark Odom Studio.
Mark Odom Studio reconfigured the building specifically to accommodate a creative industry user, programming spaces for multi-task and function. Windows and skylights were added, and the restrooms were placed on the south side of the building allowing natural light to hit all three sides of the building while also offering see-through views.
The addition of an exterior elevator is connected by a skybridge providing second floor access while not interrupting the triangular floor plan. The design team reused and salvaged the primary components of the building—slab, wall, and roof frame, while being conscious of improving the building envelope and natural light, modifying the dated building with quality, aesthetics, and function. The exterior was updated with a thermo-spruce facade.
The new Austin office look
The lot was originally a sea of parking, flanking all sides of the building, Mark Odom Studio removed the front parking lot to create a usable green buffer “front yard” located between the busy street and building. The removal of parking in the front of the building allowed for a substantial green space that now benefits all.
“The plan and design prioritizes wellness and sets a precedent for greenscapes in urban areas,” says Mark Odom, Founding Principal, Mark Odom Studio. “By making the much needed adjustments and the addition of an elevator with glass walkway and front yard, the re-imagined building is all about user experience and sets a precedent on the street.”
By taking a Class C office building and turning it into a Class A, while also maintaining the original footprint, the architecture firm has ensured the building gets a second life.
Mark Odom Studio has made the innovative creative office building its new HQ and occupies the top floor. Beaux Med Spa occupies the first floor, encompassing 5000 square feet.
Project team:
- Architect: Mark Odom Studio
- Civil: Wuest Group Engineering & Surveying
- Landscape Installation: Spencer Landscape Company
- Structural Engineer: Way Consulting Engineers, Inc
- Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer: Oscar Vilarreal
- Electrical Engineer: ODG Engineering, Inc
- Accessibility Consultant: Contour Collective
- Builder: Citadel Development
About Mark Odom Studio
Founded in Austin, Texas, by principal Mark Odom, Mark Odom Studio aims to listen, observe and edit to produce experiential architecture that embodies the client’s vision and responds purposefully to context and the wellness of our environment. Mark Odom Studio works with a diverse group of stakeholders and developers that range between mixed-use, retail, hospitality, infill, multi-family housing, and single family. With each project, the Mark Odom team listens, observes and edits to produce architecture that embodies our client’s desires and responds purposefully to context. Its environments challenge expectations through form and space and an imaginative use of material. And whether it’s a large complex of interconnected buildings or an intimate space in a private residence, every detail is thoughtfully considered to provide moments of delight and discovery. For more information, visit www.markodomstudio.com. Follow @markodomstudio.
