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DEL-CO
WATER ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Commercial
New Construction
Owner:
Del-Co Water Company
Total
Area: 7,866 SF
Location:
Delaware, OH
With
more than 200 new customers each month, the Del-Co Water Company needed
a new administration building to meet the needs of its rapidly expanding
customer base. As Delaware County's only rural water company, they wanted
a signature design for their administration building that would symbolize
their emerging corporate identity and launch them into the 21st century.
The new building's striking design, both inside and out, is a result
of what the owner needed that the original building could not provide.
Although an addition was added to the original plant in 1990 for administrative
purposes, the small offices began to restrict the expanding company
and did not reflect the image of Del-Co's new status. Therefore, engineering
and distribution moved into the existing offices and administration
moved into the new building. Situated on a picturesque 5-acre hillside
site near their existing water plant, the new building's sleek design
creates a grand presence in a small building.
Del-Co was familiar with the innovative design work of David Price,
AIA. They were also aware that Price was in the process of developing
a new firm composed of leading designers. They contacted Price at his
new firm, TRIAD Architects, Inc., and arranged to be their first client.
Del-Co requested a stellar design that would symbolize both their expansion
and the new architecture firm's design debut.
With aesthetics and durability a priority, materials were carefully
blended to make this building both functional and a work of art. The
new administration building's design is sympathetic to the original
building located approximately 500 yards away; it was imperative that
the new building be designed with similar glass and brick composition.
Horizontal banded brick and a multi-angled glass wall were used to complement
the existing complex. To incorporate the stunning view of the Olentangy
River, the glass wall is oriented toward the landscape. Introducing
natural light creates an open, airy atmosphere and includes the countryside
as part of the design. Internal ports transfer light into deeper interior
spaces.
The dramatic signage doesn't just identify the building to the passing
highway; it creates a visual barrier to the building's lower level storage
area. An overhead garage door is tucked behind the sign and leads to
the basement for easy loading. The new building allows for a much needed
storage area and loading dock that was not available in the original
building. The sign provides a visual barrier that does not compromise
aesthetics from any angle.
The winding drive leading up to the building takes advantage of the
beautiful scenery as the building integrates into the site. Similar
to the drive entry at Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water, the building
is experienced from various perspectives, seducing the spectator with
a series of striking profiles.
At night, dramatic accent lights transform the building into a crystal
citadel, creating a corporate image greater than the size of the small
building. Because it is along a major highway, the building becomes
an advertisement for the thriving Del-Co Water company.
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TRIAD
ARCHITECTS LTD
936 EASTWIND DRIVE, SUITE 202
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43081
USA
T 614 942 1050
F 614 942 1059
main@triadarchitects.com
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