Narrative
STRAIGHTLINE ARCHITECTS | 4521 S. Cloverdale Road, Ste. 102 | Boise, Idaho 83709 | P: 208-991-0855 |
www.StraightlineArchitects.com
April 15, 2021
RE: NEW BUILDING
THE BLIND SOURCE
Dear Design Review,
The following project narrative is in to reply to
the design review checklist requirement for
application of Architectural Elements contained
in the Meridian Design Manual & UDC 11-3A-
19.
The Design -
The street facing façade’s and roof line of the
new facility varies in height and direction
providing visual interest via varying height
parapets combined with a sloped shed roof
system. The parapets visually define the public
facing views and office portions from the
warehouse section.
In addition, the forward facing entry canopies at
each entrance provides pedestrian wayfinding,
visually adjusts the entrance to a more inviting
human scale, and marks the entrances as a
recognizable point of public access.
The aluminum storefront windows and their
mullion configuration play a large role in
establishing visual interest and façade rhythm
by way of crisp lined controlled patterning. This
design feature is intended to reflect the building
owner’s business of retail window coverings.
The wide use of white preformed smooth metal
panels with the focus being on joint spacing
with varied sizes further convey a clean and
sophisticated aesthetic.
The prefinished metal panels have pronounced
shadow lined joint edges along and multiple
sized profiles. The edges and panel profiles
create forms resulting in visual rhythm whilst
separating the façade into more visually exciting
segments.
Such focus on varied elements should always
serve to function and should not be added to
simply create interest.
The building façade is clad in honed ground
faced CMU with dark colored grout. The dark
honed face block will expose the lighter
aggregate below complementing the adjacent
white and gray paneling.
The CMU will be configured in running bond
coursework and arranged to compliment the
metal panel coursing. The combination CMU
joints and metal paneling act as a mechanism in
which all other exterior building materials align
and relate, such as the window mullions
alignment.
Regulating lines on the front elevations (facing
the roads) are accentuated by way of the
continuation of the horizontal window mullions,
metal panel lines, and the window and entry
awnings. Building entrances are accentuated by
color contrasting CMU portals which further aid
in pedestrian wayfinding.
All exterior finish materials utilized create visual
rhythm and texture relative to one another.
On the side facing façades a similar approach is
taken using the same metal panels and CMU
coursework found at the front façade. These
elevations transition masonry materials into a
more traditional metal form. The function of
the warehouse will be more utilitarian in nature
STRAIGHTLINE ARCHITECTS | 4521 S. Cloverdale Road, Ste. 102 | Boise, Idaho 83709 | P: 208-991-0855 |
www.StraightlineArchitects.com
and so it’s appropriate to have the materials be
truthful to the buddings function.
Natural light throughout building is
accomplished by a series of rhythmically spaced
pronounced windows along the front and side
façades.
Mechanical units and equipment will be ground
mounted and completely screened from view
via solid fencing. There will be no roof units.
Pedestrian Interconnectivity is accomplished by
improvement of the perimeter roadway and
extension of the sidewalk to the front entrance.
Internal to the site, the front concrete sidewalks
are configured to create datum points at each
entry.
The parking lot has been positioned away from
the road utilizing landscaping as a visual buffer.
Respectfully,
Scott Marshall, AIA-NCARB
Principal – Straightline Architects
Idaho – Oregon - Montana
STRAIGHTLINE ARCHITECTS | 4521 S. Cloverdale Road, Ste. 102 | Boise, Idaho 83709 | P: 208-991-0855 |
www.StraightlineArchitects.com
April 13, 2021
RE: NEW BUILDING
THE BLIND SOURCE
Dear Design Review,
The following project narrative is in to reply
to the Certificate of Zoning Compliance
application checklist requirement for
application.
The Proposed Use of Property –
The proposed overall facility will conform to
the use defined in the current City of
Meridian C-C Flex space classification and
standards as per Chapter 4 of 11-2B-2 & 11-
4-3-18.
The overall front office space (main tenant
spaces considered) is 31% of the total
square footage with the remainder being
light industrial / warehouse space.
The southernmost tenant space will be
occupied by the building owner ‘The Blind
Source’.
The two northernmost tenant spaces are
currently vacant, however the use and
tenant will conform to the requirements of
use previously defined.
The south and west portion of the lot will
be used as a drive isle to access overhead
doors.
Privacy gates and fencing located on either
side of the building and along the back will
provide screened views from the north and
east.
Respectfully,
Scott Marshall, AIA-NCARB
Principal – Straightline Architects
Idaho – Oregon - Montana