Traverse Architecture Group

Project: Dance Arts Academy, 2014

Project Goals: Construct multiple dance studio spaces, retail spaces and changing rooms in a two story 11,000 square foot structure.

Unique features of the Project: Large open studio spaces with expansive glazing areas for natural daylighting and views. The use of steel bracket trellis elements above windows as direct sunlight shading elements.
Split-faced masonry exterior for maintenance free durability. Long covered entry element for dance student pedestrian drop-off safety. Splitting the structure into two separate building components, with a centralized tower focal point, reduces the scale of the overall building footprint. The two-story glass fenestration design complements the masonry mass modulation of the building form. The glass tower spire brings daylight into the centralized staircase.

Services Provided: Architectural design and construction documentation in a design-build project scenario.

The two story, 11,000 square foot building engages the vineyard landscape and boldly announces its presence as an iconic element perched along a hilltop on Old Mission Peninsula. The entry passage between stone elements refers to the age of stone hedges and barriers that surrounded vineyards of the past. The two main shed roof designs: one housing production, the other wine tasting and celebration form a duality consistent with the winery nameplate. The tasting room grabs the attention with awe inspired views of East Grand Traverse Bay from one direction, and from the other, provides a window into the intricate inner workings of the winery. The exposed structure compliments the interior and provides a nexus for pulling all of the finishes into a harmonic composition that is both pleasant to view and yet, not overpowering. The Building's design provides an integrated juxtaposition of the daily requirements of a winery allowing the public to engage the structure as a form of art as opposed to a production facility. This approach is carried through to all aspects of the building, including the barrel room, warehousing areas, and production and administrative areas. The low maintenance corrugated metal siding creates an aesthetic reference to agricultural buildings.

"Visually, the winery is like no other. It's a contemporary, boxy, flat-roof structure built of concrete, steel, aluminum and glass -- uncluttered and minimalist." - Detroit News