—By: Eppstein Uhen: Architects – Press Release —
Madison, WI – Eppstein Uhen Architects, Inc. (EUA) was awarded a Merit Design Award from AIA Wisconsin for their WTS Paradigm
project. Selected by a jury of nationally-distinguished architects, winners were celebrated at the annual AIA wisconsin Convention and Expo as Monona Terrace on April 27. The annual Design Awards program represents the highest recognition given for excellence in architectural design by Wisconsin’s professional society of architects.
WTS Paradigm‘s new office space within a 35,000 square-foot repurposed medical equipment production space in Middleton, Wisconsin houses the software company’s corporate headquarters of 125 employees, with space to accommodate up to 200 future employees.
As a vibrant, enthusiastic company, WTS Paradigm desired an office that would enhance the workspace environment by embodying its corporate culture. Through balancing work intensities with social areas for an exciting, relaxed environment, EUA created a design solution that supported ‘s Dual-purpose mission – high quality results and company efficiency. The transformation of a deep, windowless space into a dynamic and energetic work environment has improved employee engagement, boosted company-wide efficiency and positioned WTS Paradigm for current and future success.
At the heart of the space is a central gathering area – The Hub _ a spacious blend of a coffee shop and a pub for staff to meet socially to share ideas, as well as collaborate on their work. The Hub was designed with the flexibility to host a company-wide event or major seminar within the same day. Located in the bright area on the south end of the building, sliding doors provide access to a beautiful outdoor patio. The Hub is surrounded by breakout meeting spaces to allow for choice in working environment – utilizing the layout to create an energy and animation in the center of the building.
To represent their experience in the building materials software industry, EUA incorporated a blend of local and everyday materials in original ways throughout the design. Exposed steel studs, Corrugated plastics, a garage door, custom-made barn doors from reclaimed hemlock planks once supporting roofs at the Badger Ammunition Plant (sauk City, WI) and hardware fashioned from steel pipe from Cave of the Mounds (Blue Mounds, WI) for 50 years are just several examples.
Regarding the award recognition, EUA Design Practice Leader TJ Morley, commented, “We are pleased that our peers have recognized this truly successful collaborative effort. WTS Paradigm’s new work environment with its smart, vibrant collaborative spaces and resourcefully repurposed materials – embodies their energetic culture and brand.
EUA design team members include Steve Holzhauer, AIA (Project Manager), Paul Raisleger (Senior Design Architect), Jon Robelia (Project Architect), and Jenelle Allen (Interior Designer). Consulting partners include Ideal Builders of Madison, WI and Creative Lighting Design & Engineering of Germantown, WI.