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2010 Design Excellence Awards
JE Dunn Construction Headquarters
JE Dunn Construction wanted its new headquarters to be a dynamic expression of who the company is and what sets it apart. Through simple, clean and efficient solutions, the design showcases JE Dunn’s capabilities and reflects its image as one of the nation’s leading builders.
The LEED Gold building faces Kansas City’s downtown civic mall. Its concave west façade, which is skinned with efficient curtain wall glazing, creates a clear connection between the interior spaces and civic mall. Alternating with the curtain wall glazing are finger-like concrete panels that complement the surrounding stone-clad structures without diminishing the building’s transparency.
It was important to maximize the site, to allow for a deep, 120-foot floor plate. It was equally important to maximize the amount of light penetrating the space and create visibility to the outside for every person, which a deep floor plate fought against. The design split the floor plate in half and carved out light wells at each end, while still maintaining a connected central core. Also, to demonstrate JE Dunn’s craft and ability to self-perform, the interior spaces were framed by exposed concrete, reclaimed wood flooring and perforated carbon steel.