Gilpin | tres birds workshop

A private creative office and art studio, the Gilpin project extracts its own natural energy from the sun and subterranean (geothermal) resources.

Geothermal is used to heat and cool this large-volume space, while the PV runs the the heat pumps, artificial lighting, and plug loads. High density rigid foam was used to seal the flooring, beneath which seven geothermal wells extend to 400 feet each. For further energy conservation, a vampire switch was installed, which controls a separate electrical circuit for items that can be turned off at night (computers, coffee maker, auxiliary lights, etc).

Inside, the barrel ceiling is shaped by aged wood and a bowed support structure. Through the application of an integrated design, we were able to switch the staus quo, liberating the openness and beauty of the space. The only building finishes introduced were glass and reclaimed boxcar flooring.

To bring in the daylight, a central atrium was created by cutting into the middle of the building, reducing the amount of square footage. What was lost in real estate is made up for with a healthy dose of sunlight and an immediate connection to nature.

The part of the building that was the darkest (the core), is now the lightest, pulling light into the entire space. Enclosed by 8 ft. glass sliding doors, the atrium is grounded by the Earth and opens to the sky. Vegetation and trees will be planted directly into the dirt. During the winter months, building inhabitants will see snow from the inside and on warm days, when the doors can be opened, fresh air circulates throughout.

LED lighting was installed throughout the roof and atrium in discrete fashion. At night, when the LED lights are switched on, the atrium acts as a lantern.