For its university renovation, James Madison University selected a portion of the existing Ice House building for office and conference space. Arkos Design provided space planning and interior design services for Blue Ridge Architects, now Blueline. The building originally had only two levels, but the height allowed the architects to divide the space and provide four levels, essentially doubling the usable area. The exposed concrete columns and floors reveal the building’s history, while the new steel columns and joists maintain the industrial feel.
The interior spaces were designed to create an open, collaborative environment with low, frosted glass partitions to create privacy for offices. Particular attention was given to highlighting the structural elements by painting the steel columns and using frameless glass at the concrete columns.
Key Features
- University offices and conference center
- Adaptive reuse of a former freezer storage building
- Exposed structure and concrete floors
- Partnered with Blueline of Harrisonburg, Virginia
