Subsurface Constructors has a rich history in the St. Louis region, operating from the same location for an impressive 115 years. In 2014, recognizing the need for growth and modernization, the company decided to relocate its offices to an adjacent lot across the street while maintaining its ties to the original location and service yard.
Recently, they identified the need to expand their 11,270-square-foot building. The site’s unconventional triangular shape, limited by railway tracks and driveways, required a thoughtful approach to maximize the available space as vertical expansion wasn’t an option.
This resulted in a small expansion on the first floor and a more substantial one on the second floor. The first-floor expansion introduced two new offices, while the second floor saw the relocation of two offices and the addition of three more, along with a spacious meeting and education area. Additionally, the existing second-floor office space was transformed into a kitchenette to support after-work activities.
The project prioritized capturing scenic views of downtown St. Louis and the equipment storage yard while ensuring architectural harmony with the region’s historic brick structures. The existing building featured tall vertical windows within masonry walls and a composite metal cornice above horizontal windows, creating a unique aesthetic. The expansion followed suit, using brick and the same composite metal panel as cladding to seamlessly integrate with the existing entry locations, incorporating larger windows to infuse the new interior spaces with natural light.
This design approach enhanced the building’s aesthetics and granted a more inviting and commercial appearance when viewed from the nearby interstate and surrounding roadways.
