Schwickert's Corporate Office

When Schwickert’s of Mankato, a design build mechanical and roofing company, outgrew their office space and wanted to consolidate their engineering, office staff, sales staff and showroom in to one location, they asked Paulsen Architects to make it happen.

Paulsen Architects transformed their existing metal fabrication plant into their new corporate office, showcasing their products and increasing communication and efficiency among their employees. The industrial site fits them perfectly in size and spirit and reflects their areas of expertise: design/build, mechanical systems, roofing and architectural sheet metal. Custom-designed lighting fixture “clouds” are located in the public spaces. The fixtures were designed by Paulsen Architects and is made of a trellised grid of galvanized mesh, hanging from I-beams and lit with low voltage MR16’s. The light, refracted off the metal finish, creates a spectral pattern on the walls and floor of the space. The unique light and mental panels usually used for air ducts, give the space an industrial look and feel.

With Schwickert’s being one of the largest roofing companies in the area, a metal roof was strategically placed to create a separate spaces including another “building” for the employee training and break area. Multiple paint colors, 13 in all, also create different “buildings” within the building. The ceiling, painted black, helps draw attention to the colored walls, metals and skylights.

The hub for the entire building is a central open space, with everything radiating around it. Natural light connects the newly-designed space with existing office space. Conference areas, with glass partition walls, share natural daylight and open to the central common space.  

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