Client: Dr. Beau Keller

Location: Bellevue, WA, United States

Completion date: 2014

Project Team

Architect

Kevin Cleary, AIA

Baylis Architects

Other

Express Construction

Overview

This ground floor tenant space is located in the Elements Too glass tower in Downtown Bellevue, Washington. Its designation as “Pedestrian Oriented Frontage” by the City, required the occupant to provide a high degree of visual interest, appealing to pedestrian and automobile traffic. After 5 years of vacancy, the space is now occupied by Da Vinci Dental and successfully uses advanced lighting technology to dazzle the eye of those passing by. The 1,300 SF space includes a showroom, sales and reception areas, two exam rooms, an employee lounge and a conference/office/workroom.

Goals

The transformation of this vacant space came with some challenges, the primary being that a dental office did not fall into the pre-approved category of Pedestrian Oriented Frontage (POF) use. Working closely with the client and the City to bridge the vision of usage while meeting the code requirements, mutual objectives were established and the goal of tenant occupancy after the space’s long vacancy was achieved. The effect of using lights to artistically activate the street level met the shared goals of all parties involved. The lighting’s positive effects for the surrounding streetscape are obvious. The shell was originally designed as a beacon and in developing the vision for the space the intent was realized. Even before opening, pedestrians passing by have stopped to admire the light show and to take photos, which we see as validation of the design’s meeting the requirements set forth by the POF designation.

Process

Using the owner’s vision of a cutting edge dental clinic and his selected lighting fixtures, the architect created a lighting layout that utilized clinic’s entire floor to ceiling space. The architect and contractor provided cost savings suggestions and assisted with the technical aspects related to construction.

Additional Information

The impact of commercial spaces regarding energy and material consumption can be quite high. This was a concern from a practical and professional standpoint. The minimalist design played a large role in the designs success. The space being small could take advantage of the natural light the shell glass façade provided. The need for some privacy and specialized task lighting however had to be met. Choosing to use fewer materials the private spaces have limited ceiling areas allowing the light to be captured and a view to the ornamental LED lights; which provide visual interest while using less energy.