Architect: BDH & Young Space Design, Pat Giordana

The Challenge: Olson General Contractors needed to move. Faced with the unenviable task of being their own customer, they approached the project realizing their other customers must still come first. They established early on that cost constraints, coupled with undesireable available land (which they owned) would have to be accepted.

The Olson Solution: Olson solved the land issue with a relatively new foundation process called the Geopier System. By compacting columns of recycled concrete deep into the ground, they created a stable site from what would have been unusable land. In the interior design phase, they chose raw construction materials to use as finishing elements. They used I-beams and poured concrete for the reception desk, reinforcement bar for stair spindles and galvanized steel for well coverings. The overall effect is unique and understated style, with an eye toward cost-effective delivery.