Let’s take a walk through some of the iconic masterpieces of Abacus Architects. A firm that inherently believes that architecture can enhance peoples’ lives is displayed in their work too. They work on a variety of topics from architecture, civil engineering, interior design, master planning, facility and site studies to lean concepts and consulting. Their branches are at Sheboygan and Milwaukee.
1. Pine Haven – Haven Drive Campus | Abacus Architects
It is a care facility serving its residents which required a new building to accommodate the growing population. The “household model” has been used here where instead of long corridors and same rooms; each resident has their own living, dining, kitchen, and laundry areas with different architectural styles and color palettes. One of the most challenging things was to remove a lot of dirt on this sloping field.
2. Pine Haven – Oostburg Campus
The premier project of this firm; they chose a prairie style and the Arts and Crafts Movement; the structure of exterior building harmonizing with nature. On the interior, it’s pure luxury and neutral colors. Moreover, they designed the entire structure by anticipating future needs so that they could expand in the future if the need arises.
3. Nō Studios
A multi-purpose building is we can summarize it with; the project demanded a renovation keeping in mind its history and its technical demands. The materials used are metal, glass, and wood to make a four-floor building that accommodates tenant space, lounge areas, screening room, stage and presentation space, conference and huddle rooms along with cafes, and a rooftop deck.
4. Howards Grove HS Auditorium
This school wanted an auditorium for more than two decades; the people who suffered the most due to the lack of it were students who had to perform at other places. Now, this auditorium has 449 seats with state-of-the-art acoustics in place. The lobby and gallery serve as its added advantage. It has now become home to the Howards Grove Center for Performing Arts.
5. Cambridge School District | Abacus Architects
The student commons area has a raised ceiling with clerestory windows thereby giving way to natural light. The library also sees a ceiling skylight now. The challenge was to do all the things in just five months without disrupting school activities; for which Abacus used a phased construction approach.
6. Johnsonville HQ
Through the use of relational architecture, this building has been built. The client sincerely believes that employees are members and that greatness is a journey, not the destination, that’s probably why there are so many paths around the building which are interconnected both on the outside as well as inside.
7. Meals on Wheels
This 13,000 sq. ft. the building houses 8 new offices, a larger conference room, more spaces and most importantly, a 7,000 sq. ft. production kitchen and a garage so that the food can be distributed efficiently and effectively.
8. Pine Hills Country Club
The new construction took place keeping in mind the existing topography as well as the architecture of the clubhouse which worked as its USP. A pool, patio, and snack bar have been designed overlooking the golf course. Children’s space has been separated from that of the adults. The upper floor has been designated for parties and events, and a walkway is turned into a dining room by the installation of windows; which turned out to be cost-effective.
9. Wisconsin Vision Associates
A contact lenses company asked for a headquarters to be made where four semi-tractors could come in and out daily along with a high quality of life for their workers. A rustic and contemporary design approach has been used here. The Golden-tone Brazilian Garapa wood and pre-cast concrete panels make it more attractive.
10. Viking Masek | Abacus Architects
Earth-toned materials and faceted walls mark this building’s exterior. On the interior, a museum-like space has been designed with clerestory windows and energy-efficient translucent panels along with white paint. Steps have also been minimized from engineers to plant floor, creating visibility. The break-room is comfort and color filled to beat the monochrome.
11. Oostburg State Bank
With a demand to represent the old and still look new is the brief of this building. A lot of use of wood, glass, and stone has been seen along with copper. It’s visible from a distance and is different from its exterior to its interior.
12. Kewaskum High School
The challenge here was to create space without increasing its size and that happened by the splitting of the gymnasium which gave way to a library, computer labs, and office space whereas, the other half is made into an auditorium with seats for 350 people. It’s unbelievable to witness what all they did by just removing the gym.
13. Sargento Board Room
An office remodeled for a cheese company; it has a limited height where the “barrel-vaulted” metal ceiling is divided by elements of wood to add drama to the office interiors while accommodating all the audio/visual capabilities.
14. Gessert’s Ice Cream and Confectionery
The client Gessert’s had been remodeling the space since its inception. They wanted its interior to maintain the old-world charm that it had which was by the way designed by their ancestors while making it friendly, spacious, and comfortable for the customers. All this had to be done without more space and that’s where the challenge lied.
15. Prevea | Abacus Architects
A small community with growing industrial parks saw a healthcare service opportunity. Within 3,000 square feet, there is a reception area, a procedure room, a blood-draw room, a drug-screening room, one office, and five exam rooms; creating an efficient workspace.
