The Fifth+Tillery office building revitalizes a former industrial area in East Austin, USA, transforming a large warehouse into a lively indoor/outdoor creative workspace. Inspired by the contrasting surroundings, this project marks the shift from a busy neighborhood to an industrial zone. Its straightforward mixed wood structure emphasizes practicality and natural beauty, blending harmoniously with both environments.
Fifth+Tillery prioritizes sustainability and occupant well-being, breaking away from traditional office design to foster community engagement. The south-facing entrance plaza acts as a spacious outdoor lobby, welcoming gentle breezes into the landscaped courtyard. The elevator opens directly outdoors, while a grand social staircase invites visitors to explore the building’s architectural beauty.
Given Texas’ mild year-round climate and hot summers, creating a comfortable outdoor environment is essential. Key strategies include providing shade, shelter, and passive cooling. A Mexican wutong tree shades the entrance plaza, while American water pines are scattered throughout the garden. Above, staggered photovoltaic panels double as shading devices, protecting the plaza and the rooftop terrace on the third floor. These solar arrays cover a large roof area, generating nearly enough electricity to offset the building’s summer energy consumption.
The entrance plaza welcomes visitors into a garden that extends deeply into the architectural layout. This courtyard functions as a multi-tenant corridor while enhancing natural light and ventilation, and also operates as part of the rainwater management system. A flowing fountain begins at the northern edge and moves southward, merging into a reflective pool at the entrance plaza. This water channel floats above a landscaped rain garden, helping to manage stormwater runoff and provide passive cooling. In line with Texas’ strict water conservation regulations during hotter months, the building recycles condensate and rainwater for irrigation and water features.
Introducing courtyards within buildings increases the building envelope, so choosing an enclosure that balances performance and cost is vital. The facade facing strong sunlight features simple perforated openings to balance heat gain and natural lighting, while walls with continuous windows are installed in shaded areas offering scenic views. Locally sourced metal wall panels are used, complemented by rain curtain systems with embedded walls and cavity insulation.
The color palette emphasizes practicality and natural tones. The mixed wood structure showcases the warmth and beauty of Douglas fir laminated wood throughout the building. The simple hues create a serene backdrop for the landscape, transforming the previously impermeable site into a vibrant green environment. This seamless integration with nature invites users into communal spaces, fostering a dynamic social atmosphere that encourages interaction, connection, and spontaneous collaboration.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: Gensler
Area: 188,919 square meters
Project Year: 2020
Photographers: Matthew Neimann, Gensler / Ryan Conway
Manufacturers: Central Texas Metal Roofing Supply, Freedom Solar Panel, Rosboro, Trespa, Vitro®
Design Team: Michael Waddell, Travis Albrecht, David Lynch, Reid Olsen
Location: Austin, USA
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