Envelope takes its name from the tightly restricted building envelope generated by the local zoning laws.  The form of the building represents the maximum buildable volume (length x width x height + balcony) and stands as a physical manifestation of local zoning regulations.

The project is guided by three key components.  First, the project is located within a complex zoning ordinance overlay called PD 193.  Second, the program called for a building requiring little or no maintenance.  Third, the program also offered a limited construction budget.

The plan of the building divides the buildable space into three equal units.  Each unit is further divided into a sequence of openings and planes organized by a rigorous geometric ordering system based on the panel width of the exterior standing seam metal cladding.

The final form of the building is derived by creating a simple, heavy masonry base to comply with off-street parking requirements.  Atop the base rests a cantilevered, lighter mass animated by a series of window openings of varying size and configuration.  The final composition of the building features an ultra-lightweight, translucent balcony form punctuating the sky like a beacon of light.  All three elements combine to form a simple and elegant massing with an alert posture and a powerful presence.

The materials and construction type allow the building to express itself honestly while requiring minimal long-term maintenance.  Repetition of building systems and a limited number of construction trades allowed the costs of the project to be kept low without sacrificing craftsmanship.