Petrie Partners: EUA Designs Workplace, Regional HQ
BUILDING DIALOGUE
Petrie Partners, a boutique wealth management firm for the oil, gas and energy sectors, enlisted EUA’s expertise to design its new regional headquarters in downtown Denver’s newest high-rise.
As strategic investment advisers to the energy sector, Petrie Partner’s new office makes a bold visual statement that is grounded in the Earth’s layering, while celebrating the expansive Colorado sky. The result is a precise, seamless space that exudes sophistication and confidence, as well as warmth. Particular emphasis was placed on the entry sequence, where visitors are greeted by expansive mountain and city views through 13-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, a custom onyx branding wall and countertop with a cutout glass corner and hallways lined with millwork “trees,” providing natural wayfinding through design. The resulting design architecturally expresses the company’s values with a simple but commanding use of stone, wood and glass, emphasizing Petrie’s commitment to honesty and transparency.
1. A dramatic floating onyx ledge is a bold entry statement from the elevator lobby of the 39th floor, capturing people’s attention and showcasing the Earth’s energy captured as a timeless expression. The entry is carved out of a monolithic zebrawood spine wall that travels the length of the entire space and acts as the primary organizing element. The spine wall houses different functions as it travels through the space, from the display of mementos to a felt phone room, and storage deep within.
2. The scale of the reception area is intimate, in vivid contrast to the expansive and cinematic views of the full western mountain range and further south. The space carefully frames the views in all directions, beginning at the waiting area with a gallery of “trees” that creates a visual screen to the conference rooms behind. The screen forms a focused border for the western view directly on axis with the reception area, while simultaneously creating separation between the public and private space.
3. The zebrawood spine wall is a solid counterpoint to the light patterning of the opposite screen wall. The patterning of the screen wall is dictated by the conference room entry placement and the controlled views to the outside that one discovers while moving through the space. The “trees” strike the perfect balance between visual privacy and allowing the natural light to filter through the space throughout the day.
4. The lounge is located at the heart of the suite, and is designed to be a comfortable retreat from private work areas. It is on the perimeter and is equipped with a full break area, inviting seating and a grand island for gathering and exchanging information. With the goal for the entire office to be visually transparent, the long window behind the kitchen bar allows for those working in the production room to be part of the lounge and see the mountain view. The lounge has seamlessly integrated AV and wireless technology to promote different workstyles.
5. The perimeter windows on the 39th floor are 13-foot clear, which was one of the primary drivers for Petrie to select this space. To celebrate the broad volume of the space and capitalize on the remarkable views, the office fronts were designed to be the maximum glass height possible at 11 feet, which was only restricted by the size of the freight elevator. Bronze u-channels are recessed into the floor and soffit in order to help them disappear, and refined 1/8-inch bronze-colored caulk joints express the careful attention to detail that is manifested throughout the entire office.
