Purpose Hypothesis Test Methods Conclusion
Building Vital Signs Arch 502 Home
Introductory Comments by Kris Contor, Architect
A distinctive, open work environment was the concept goal for Pacific Simulation's new facility in Moscow, Idaho. Design achievement was realized through a juxtaposition of materials indigenous to the Palouse region, reflective of the wood fiber industry and to a matrix of functions both physical and irrational.
Michael Benedikt in his book For An Architecture of Reality states "Clarity in what a building is made of, how it is made on that account, and how the way it looks reflects both, are all essential...". The image of corrugated metal farm building with their distinct edges and unmasked structure lent this facility both its materiality and fabrication. Large parallam beams and subordinate structural components fabricated from wood fiber give form to the language of construction while also echoing Pacific Simulation's involvement with the pulp and paper industry. The simple geometric shape and metal siding at the north side of the building provides a presence that binds it back to the Palouse.
One approach to office design suggests we be placed in a sea of easily replicated cubicles functionally maximized for efficiency and isolated from distractions. Michael Benedikt goes on to state "...a building should not be slave to its program, twisting and turning to accommodate our every movement and wish...it should be found useful...". The open office plan here visibly shelters under a roof and links to a park at one end, an empty room providing opportunity. A more rational approach would not provide the space or intervals that make life as well as architecture interesting.
General information
Date Construction Began August 18, 1997
Date Construction Completed April 1, 1998
Owner Pacific Simulation Inc.
Tenants Pacific Simulation Inc.
Architectural Services Architecture 311.5, Sandpoint, Idaho, Kris Contor, Architect
Davis Associates, Spokane, Washington, Glenn Davis, Architect
Engineering Services
Electrical/Mechanical
Civil Hodge & Associates, Moscow, Idaho
Environmental Terra Graphics, Moscow, Idaho
Soils Strata, Inc., Moscow, Idaho
General Contractor Sprenger Construction, Inc., Moscow, Idaho, Mike Sprenger
Sub Contractors
Electrician Allen Electric and Chuck Hull, Moscow, Idaho
Painting Mike's Painting, Moscow, Idaho
Plumbing Powell Plumbing, Moscow Idaho
Stucco (Dryvit) Adkinson Corporation, Grangeville, ID
Windows Specialty Windows, Spokane, Washington
Concrete Randy Rauch, Moscow, Idaho and Poe Asphalt Paving, Inc.,
Pullman, Washington
Excavation Germer Construction, Moscow, Idaho
Cabinetry Select Euro-Systems, Inc., Sandpoint, Idaho
Floor Coverings Skelton's Carpet, Lewiston, Idaho
Telecommunications Barrett Schroeder, Moscow, Idaho
Glass Blocks Buzz Pernell, Moscow, Idaho
Landscape Architect Hodge & Associates, Moscow, Idaho, Laura Taylor
Landscaping Crossroads Nursery, Moscow, Idaho/Pullman, Washington
Workstations Kris Contor, Architect, Sandpoint, Idaho
Specialty Furniture Kris Contor, Architect, Sandpoint, Idaho
Window Treatment Design Effects, Pullman, Washington
Construction Financing Bank of Pullman, Moscow Branch
Mortgage Financing Bank of Pullman, Moscow Branch
Clearwater Economic Development Assoc., Lewiston, Idaho
Utility Services
Electrical & Gas Washington Water Power
Telephone GTE
Internet Services Micron Internet Services
Water and Waste Water City of Moscow
Waste and Recycling Latah Sanitation
Janitorial American Building Maintenance Co.
Yard Maintenance Four Seasons American
Interior Plants Valerie Heath, Plantscapes
Construction Details
Lot Size - 43,800sq.ft.
Building Size - 9,460 sq.ft.
Cost of Construction - $88 per sq.ft.
Wood Frame Construction
Box rib galvanized exterior siding on the north side of the buildings
Glass exterior walls on the east and west sides of the building
Stucco finish on the south side of the building and parapet walls
Roof is constructed with 6" of styrofoam topped with 1 layer of sealed diaphragm rubber
Floor in common areas is concrete, chemically etched and stained to resemble stone
Entryway flooring is slate
Work areas are carpeted
Exposed beam ceiling, with joists and HVAC duct work exposed
The seven structural load-bearing beams weigh 1 ton apiece, and were put in place using a crane. They are 36 inches deep, and are composed of Trus Joist MacMillan's Parallam parallel strand lumber. The columns supporting the beams are composed of the same material.
700 lineal feet of Parallam PSL commercial beams and columns were used
4,900 lineal feet if TJI joists were used.
The site was over-excavated and filled with over two feet of decomposed granite
All telecommunications wiring is Category V wiring, which can be used for telephone or computer networking.
Lighting in the main work area of the building consists of standard industrial lighting fixtures hung upside down to reduce glare on computer screens
The telecommunications and electrical wiring in the main work areas are contained in Walker duct, which is contained within the concrete floor.
The Building is currently wired to support up to 4 T-1 telecommunication links. Current usage is a fractional T-1, (128 K)
The Workstations were designed to promote interaction among employees and allow a view of the adjacent park.