Central Maintenance Facility

Pierce County Public Works & Utilities

 

Pierce County, Washington

 

Site

The site is in a developing industrial park on a savannah of native grasses and Garry Oaks.  Mt. Rainier is visible to the Southeast.

 

Program

CMF consolidates Pierce County's various road maintenance facilities on one campus. The County requested a functional industrial facility on a sustainable, civic campus.

 

Solution

CMF seeks an expression at home with both machines and nature. A series of pre-manufactured industrial sheds on a truck-accessible tarmac are fronted by a separate administration/crew building which acts as both public face and gateway to the tarmac beyond.  The administration/crew building is a simple, repetitive structure submerged in grass oriented to Mt. Rainier beyond. Structure and systems are left exposed throughout and a limited palette of materials (board-form concrete, corrugated siding and glass) can be interpreted as both industrial and civic. The almost colorless materials which vary in reflectivity absorb and reflect the changing day as road crews come and go.

 

CMF is registered with the certification goal of LEED Silver. The minimal building assemblies reduce material usage and long, narrow footprints oriented for specific functions bring daylight to every worker. Water harvesting from roofs and the tarmac is used for toilet flushing, irrigation and for roadwork throughout the county. Landscaping is intended to restore the savannah to the extent possible and birds have already discovered and claimed the tall grasses and storm pond as part of their habitat.  LEED Registered.

 

This project received recognition from the American Institute of Architects, SW Washington Chapter by receipt of Merit Award, 2008

 

"The simple, clear program is very well translated into a direct, functional complex. The careful application of a simple palette of materials reinforces the utilitarian use of the facility. Energy and other sustainable strategies are well integrated into the structure without overwhelming the human activities in the office building."
SWW AIA Jury Comments