gdpdesignbuild

█ 1011 north mills avenue

orlando, fl : [2021] 

The existing building for this adaptive reuse project was diminutive and had little street presence. Situated on Mills Ave, within the Mills50 district, the building often went unnoticed despite heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic along the arterial road. Since the building was slated to house a new retail boutique concept, it was important to give it new visibility and identity —a new understated prominence.

A checkerboard rendered in all white explores subtle contrasts between the material and the immaterial. Sited with its primary facade facing west, we took the opportunity to explore a facade design that would respond to the heavy Floridian solar exposure. Playing primarily with repetition and pattern, we developed a double facade and canopy system that creates a clever interplay between light and shadow. As the day progresses, changing shadows create a visual interest that breathes life into static form. A storefront that is set at an angle and recessed slightly into the building is a welcoming gesture. The cascade of stairs that unfolds to meet the public right of way references a unique stoop typology typical of the area.

photo credit | Chad Baumer Photography