Expressing the dynamic and elegant simplicity of a modern “barn,” the 54,000-square-foot Pearl Izumi Headquarters respects the company’s Japanese heritage, celebrates the natural beauty of Colorado and demonstrates its employees’ passion for outdoor sports.

The building is strategically located on an eight-acre site along the Coal Creek trail, a well-loved bike and running path that connects many of Boulder County’s communities. This location provides quick and easy access for product testing and year-round employee commuting.

The headquarters showcases a flexible and intentionally raw canvas that offers a subtle background to the vibrant, high-performance product and innovative processes taking place within.

Wood, reclaimed from Wyoming snow fencing, is featured at the entry while recycled sheet steel wraps the building. These materials, in conjunction with concrete, lend the building a tactile and contextual response to its Rocky Mountain setting with the naturally weathering exterior offering the appearance of longevity, shaped by the forces of wind, sun, and snow.

The programming of the building allows for an extremely collaborative design process and an efficient production model. Departments spatially overlap and are in visual proximity. A conscious effort was made to provide outdoor views from every workstation and office. Amenities for staff include bike storage, locker rooms with showers, a yoga and fitness center, a commercial kitchen and generous employee lounge.

Since occupation, Pearl Izumi has experienced a significant decline in sick days and a 22% increase in employee retention.

Designed in collaboration with ZGF Architects.

AIA Western Mountain Region Honor Award 2015
AIA Colorado North Chapter Honor Award for 2015
World Architecture News Commercial Award 2015
AIA Colorado Honor Award 2014
AIA Colorado Denver Chapter Merit Award 2014