Lexington Law Office

Overview

The Lexington Law Buildings will consist of four, two story office buildings in a crucifix configuration in order to maximize views and exposure. Currently two of the four buildings have been constructed. Each building has 25,300 square feet, 12,650 square feet per level. The buildings are constructed of tilt-up concrete. The structural concrete walls also serve as the exterior architectural finish, with decorative reveals. Some panels are painted and some are left natural. There are interior concrete walls which also serve as shear walls, to resist seismic forces and also serve as an architectural feature. The glass entry canopy roof (yet to be installed) is to be supported by cantilevered, tilt-up concrete bents or moment frames. The bents have a cantilevered length of approximately 16 feet horizontally and the vertical members are also cantilevered from the ground. Tilt-up concrete is typically used for warehouse "box" like buildings but was adapted for use in these law office buildings. Although the buildings are rectangular in nature, the wall planes have been broken-up by off-setting and projecting wall elements and also by varying the height of some of the wall panels.

Features

The entry canopy feature which will eventually support a frosted glass roof, is free standing and cantilevering 16 feet. The large cantilevered / tapered beams are monolithic with the rectangular column section. It was cast as a tilt-up wall element and then held in place while a large footing was cast around it.

The rectangular building is broken up with tilt-up panels that extend from the interior of the building to the exterior of the building and extend above the roof and beyond the exterior face of the building. These wall provide an architectural feature and help with the massing of the building. The walls also act as shear walls and are designed to withstand seismic forces. The exterior panels have decorative reveals. Portions of the exterior walls have been painted while other portions are left as exposed concrete. The buildings are oriented to maximize views and natural light for each building, while creating a common space between them. The building colors are in harmony with the natural setting.

In this building the architectural accomplishments were also the structural accomplishments.

Recognition

The Lexington Law office buildings have received a design excellence award from the American Concrete Institute.

The buildings are full and there are plans for a third building.

Additional information

These tilt-up concrete law office buildings show that tilt-up concrete that is typically used for large warehouse facilities can also be used for multi-story office buildings. The buildings are durable, attractive, have excellent sound and fire ratings, can be economical, accelerate construction, simplify finishes, are sustainable and can be energy efficient. The wall panels themselves not only serve as structural members but can also serve as architectural features and design elements. These buildings have a timeless quality, and will always look good. The campus like setting also helps to validate the buildings. The large glass areas enhance views, allow for more natural light and also help with the massing of the buildings.