Build up, not out.  Setting aside two-thirds of the property for parking fulfilled both the programmatic requirement and a desire to create a small building footprint.  The long thin building mass increases urban density, saves valuable land assets, creates ample opportunities to bring in daylight and maximizes cross ventilation.

The building envelope is composed of a brick veneer rain screen.  This material choice respects the surrounding historic masonry buildings.  The brick veneer will also provide for a durable and low maintenance exterior.  However, while the brick façade might relate to historical context, the building’s form (with its carved out courtyard space) looks forward to a modern future.

The building fosters community through a variety of indoor and outdoor common spaces.  The roof top terrace and gardens create a bridge between the farms of the Willamette Valley and the more urban setting of downtown Corvallis.  Lastly, there is the rooftop lookout and meditation space for when one feels the need for fresh air and solitude.

Green design aspects: pervious paving, stormwater retention, green roof, solar hot water, photovoltaics, daylighting, natural ventilation and light wood framing reduces the us of non-renewable resources.