Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee

Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Exterior Photography, Windows, FacadeNeighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Exterior Photography, Windows, FacadeNeighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Windows, Table, BeamNeighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Interior Photography, Chair, BeamNeighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - More Images+ 12

West Des Moines, United States
  • Design Team: Jamie Malloy, AIA, LEEDap, Curtis Ehler, AIA, LEEDap
  • Exterior Siding & Trim: Siteworx Design Build
  • Interior Trim & Millwork: Jared Jones Construction
  • Concrete: Absolute Solutions
  • Aluminum Windows: KB Custom Glass & Metal
  • General Contractor : Studio Melee
  • City: West Des Moines
  • Country: United States
More SpecsLess Specs
Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell

Text description provided by the architects. Just one block off the main street in the Historic Valley Junction neighborhood of West Des Moines sat a non-descript 2-story building that had undergone 80 years of small-scale adaptations; first serving as a place of worship, followed by various uses including, manufacturing, automotive, office, and retail. Serving as developer, architect, and contractor, the owner completed a major transformation into a flexible, professional design studio space serving as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.

Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell
Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Image 15 of 17
Site Plan
Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell

The building was stripped down to structure, featuring 1940s block masonry walls and a 1990’s wood-framed upper story which had been added following historic floods. The roof of the former worship/garage space was raised to allow sufficient natural daylight without artificial lighting over 90% of the building’s operation time. Existing old growth fir from demolition was repurposed as exposed accent framing throughout the interior. The studio space also features sealed concrete floors and carbon-negative carpeting, as well as recycled fiberboard acoustical panels to enhance the wellness of the users.

Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Windows, Table, Beam
© Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell
Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Image 16 of 17
Floor Plans
Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair, Beam
© Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell

The stair, with perforated steel treads salvaged from another renovation project, was relocated outside of the original structure as a vibrant promotion of movement to the upper level of the building which contains private meeting rooms, wellness spaces, and the studio’s material library.

Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Interior Photography, Chair, Beam
© Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell
Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Image 17 of 17
Axonometric Diagram
Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Interior Photography, Stairs, Handrail
© Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell

The envelope was super-insulated with polyisocyanurate panels and closed cell spray foam. Building systems were designed with sustainability in mind, including high-efficiency HVAC, low-flow plumbing fixtures, infrastructure for solar panels, and LED lights resulting in a 53% lighting reduction below the energy code minimum. Outdoor balconies, operable windows, and big ass fans provide ample natural ventilation treated with UV light.

Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Interior Photography, Living Room, Chair, Beam
© Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell

Since completion, the building has hosted open houses and tours demonstrating the studio’s unique strategies for repurposing materials, blending modern and historic elements, and serving as a model for sustainability within the neighborhood and beyond.

Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Exterior Photography
© Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:139 4th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee" 05 Sep 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/988464/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.