Big Ass Fans Headquarters

Big Ass Fans, a manufacturer of high-volume, low-speed fans, wanted a new headquarters that was unique and supported their high-profile corporate brand. The biggest challenge was to accomplish this while adhering to a tight budget, on an aggressive schedule. Phase I of the project included a 84,594-sq.-ft., two-story office building to provide much-needed space for the rapidly expanding company. The ultimate build-out will include an expansion to add assembly and distribution warehouse space to the building.

The plan and elevations were configured to convey movement. A basic rectangular, cost-effective floor plan was "tweaked" on the front by rotating four of the concrete panels and adding an infill of glass, a metal panel, and a pop of the company's signature yellow to create a dramatic exterior. The entrance was further enhanced with the combination of glass, metal paneling, exposed structural steel and tilt-up concrete. In addition to the sense of movement gained by rotating the concrete panels, the fenestration was designed so that the views were not static, but ever-changing, from the elevations and throughout the building. Every load-bearing tilt-up panel was designed to have unique openings - no two panels are alike.

The Big Ass Fans Headquarters has received multiple awards and significant recognition including a design-build award from the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky and an America's Best Buildings of the Year Merit Award from Buildings Magazine.