DOC_CZC Letter of ExplanationHatch
Design
Architecture
6126 w. state st., boise, idaho 83703 • phone 208.475.3204 • fax 208.475.3205 • email info@hatchda.com
March 07, 2019 Project Narrative
Development Services, Planning Services
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, ID, 83642
Re: Excalibur Metal Design:
Specific Use Standard; Light Industry; Meridian UDC 11-4-3-25.
Dear Planning Staff,
At your request, this letter is intended to clarify how the proposed Excalibur Metal Design project
at 1322 E. Watertower Street will conform to and comply with all necessary local, state and federal
standards, as outlined in UDC 11-4-3-25.
As per City of Meridian UDC 11-4-3-25:
“The application materials shall include written statement that the proposed facility meets any applicable
federal, state, or local standards regarding such use including, but not limited to, those of the U.S.
environmental protection agency, the U.S. department of agriculture, Central district health department,
the Ada County air quality board and Idaho department of water resources. (Ord. 05-1170, 8-30-2005, eff.
9-15-2005)”
1. “A. All mechanical equipment emissions; shipping and/or delivery; or other outdoor activity areas
shall be located a minimum of three hundred feet (300') from any abutting residential districts,
or the use is subject to a conditional use permit.”
Response- Per 2018 Ada County Assessor information, the nearest residential parcel is
approximately 390’ northeast of the Excalibur project site.
2. “B. The application shall identify how the proposed use will address the impacts of noise and
other emissions on adjoining residential districts. More specifically, the following adverse effects
shall be mitigated through setbacks, buffers, sound attenuation and/or hours of operation:
- 1. Noise, odor, or vibrations, or direct or reflected glare detectable by the human senses
without the aid of instruments.
Response- All fabrication work is to be performed inside the northern half of the facility,
thoroughly mitigating noise. Odors or fumes are not necessarily associated with metal cutting
and welding but are to be controlled as needed inside the fabrication shop. Vibration, glare and
other nuisances should be kept to a minimum by the nature of the work done by Excalibur.
- 2. Radioactivity and electric or electromagnetic disturbances that unduly interfere with the
normal operation of equipment, instruments, or appliances on abutting properties.
Response- No such emissions shall be created by the proposed use.
Hatch
Design
Architecture
6126 w. state st., boise, idaho 83703 • phone 208.475.3204 • fax 208.475.3205 • email info@hatchda.com
3. Any other emission or radiation that endangers human health, results in damages to
vegetation or property or which exceeds health and safety standards.
Response- No such emissions shall be created by the proposed use.
Architectural elements proposed for exception from Meridian Architectural Standards:
1. Elevations:
b. Cohesive Design, Non-Residential Standards – Goal 3.1A:
“Incorporate at least one type of the following modulations in the façade plane,
including but not limited to projections, recesses and step backs that articulate wall planes and
break up building mass.”
Response- The dominant wall planes are an immediate reflection of the project’s core structure,
which is intended to be used as an educational component to the building. Great care has been
taken in fenestration sill and head heights, alignment of the structure, fenestration and
programmatic elements, as well as screening articulation and material selection. A tangibly proud
and distinguished three-dimensional rhythm across the entire building, is accentuated on the
West by the covered entry structure and on the East with a series of large shade buttresses.
c. Design, Non-Residential Standards – Goal 3.2A:
“For at least 30% of applicable facades use any combination of concrete, masonry or
stone or unique variation of color, texture or material, at least 10-inches in height around the
base of the building.”
Response- Along the East façade, perforated metal screens buttresses punctuate the building at
20’ intervals, in line with the rigid frame structure. Between each screen a tree planting layout
with a density greater than required, low, bushy and flowering plantings run the length of the
building, creating a vibrant horizontal band at the ground level.
To the West, a covered entry and employee break area with perforated screening
accommodates nearly 33% of the length of the building, creating a unique architectural shelter
and wayfinding element. A passage through the screen at the patio area delivers a similar
wayfinding effect as well as fun and visual intrigue.
The southern, main entry façade is over 80% glazing, including multiple overhead doors,
10’ entry doors with a transom and break metal at the upper floor line. It can almost completely
open to the patio area.
d. Design, Non-Residential Standards – Goal 3.4A/3-4B:
“For flat roofs, incorporate primary and secondary roof elements…such as along
entryways”
“For sloped roofs incorporate at least two of any one roof element…”
Response- The secondary flat roof, at the western entry to the building, serves not only as a
sheltered area for customers and employees, but also as a means to deliver roof variation in
tandem with a construction type intentionally devoid of excess roof articulation.
Hatch
Design
Architecture
6126 w. state st., boise, idaho 83703 • phone 208.475.3204 • fax 208.475.3205 • email info@hatchda.com
Response Continued- The prominent gabled roof proposed is an immediate result of the
construction type chosen for this project, one chosen its significance as an educational tool for
visitors. Considered together, the two roof elements serve the intent of Goals 3.4A and 3.4B, they
balance one another and they deliver a potent aesthetic with various educational opportunities.
e. Design, Non-Residential Standards – Goal 5.1i:
“Untextured concrete panels and prefabricated steel panels are prohibited as field
materials for building facades, except when used with a minimum of two other qualifying field
materials and meeting all other standard fenestration and material requirements.”
Response- The metal elements proposed are high quality, architecturally textured panels that
give excellent shadow lines and a handsome appearance. Variation in material texture, color,
size, shape and translucency varies across the project in the windows, covered entry and patio
areas, screening and trellis elements, roof shapes and increased landscaping. The pattern of the
panels, the variety of materials and their interactions, as well as the arrangement of these
various elements and the overall layout of the project have been tailored to a human scale, to be
inviting and to be understated and subtle, yet exciting. All of these metal elements are also to be
used as educational features.
The operations within this project inherently require a large volume, and significant effort has
been focused on making that large volume remain durable, functional and educational as the
client needs, while being beautiful, balanced, inviting, pedestrian friendly, aesthetically appealing
and an enhancement to the city of Meridian.
Please contact our office with any questions you may have in reviewing the application materials.
Sincerely,
Jeff Hatch, AIA LEEP AP
Hatch Design Architecture