1 Line

The studio name, 1 Line, originates from the belief that the first move (often the first gesture on paper) is significant in setting ideas and beginning creative problem solving.

In this gesture, an interior environment is delineated between a mass timber wall and a curtain of suspended glass, thinly veiling the threshold between inside and outside. Forming a figurative ‘line’ between the ground and the sky, a canted, naturally rusted steel wall anchors one end while a thin roof ascends skyward. A series of tall, vertical cedar wood fins complement the glass facade, balancing daylight and minimizing glare within the office.

Aspiring to design a 100+ year building that evaluates new thoughts, explores sustainable materials, and finds inventive construction solutions, the design team was initially captivated by the benefits of DLT for its ability to serve as both a structure and a finished wood system. With minimal maintenance and longevity in mind, materials were selected in their raw form and left unfinished to naturally patina over time. The glass is held by compression clips connected to the structural steel skeleton, thereby reducing material usage by eliminating the need for additional frames. Diffusers are integrated into the expansion joints of the wood DLT panels. The lighting system utilizes adjustable rope light fixtures with pulleys that fit within the recess of the alternating wood members. Paralam beams are used as open treads for stairs and desks are created from reclaimed rafters salvaged from a local school.

In the open studio concept, individual voices are optimized, and reverberating echoes are diminished by the exposed mass wood wall. Without the use of fasteners and adhesives, alternating 2x6 and 2x8 wood members reveal a natural wood aroma that heightens the human senses.

Awards:
AIA Colorado Design Award of Excellence, Sustainability Recognition

_{Photos: Jess Blackwell Photography}