HC +EM OFFICE BUILDING

Nestled between two commercially-converted single family homes, the new shared offices of Haddon+Cowan Architects and Edwards+Mulhausen Interior Design were developed on two empty food truck lots in East Austin on Cesar Chavez. The main block of offices reaches towards the street and hover over a small lobby and ground-level parking, with the north-facing street façade showcasing large storefront glass and deep views into the interior. The design prioritizes simple forms and materials with exposed steel structure, wood roof decking, and flexible open spaces. A small entry lobby at ground level is set back from the street and provides an inviting pedestrian-scaled approach under the shelter of the main office block.

The interior of the 2nd level houses the main offices of the two firms, closely connected by a central gallery hallway, shared glass-enclosed conference room, and a main reception area located at the top of steel plate stairs from the lower lobby. A large, open breakroom with north-facing balcony seating offers a wide street view and sheltered access to the outdoors. The main office areas of each firm are organized as an open plan, with workstations, low walls, and casual furniture defining specific areas situated around the structural columns. The finishes are simple, with exposed wood roof decking, painted steel structure and open mechanical systems, wood floors in the common spaces and carpeted work areas. The result is an open, warm, and inviting interior. To modulate temperatures as the weather allows, each office space was provided access to large operable windows, allowing natural air flow throughout the building, and covered exterior balconies providing outdoor work/break options for the staff.