![Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb57/f55c/665b/c481/9b35/newsletter/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_3.jpg?1662372809)
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Architects: Studio Melee
- Area: 4460 ft²
- Year: 2021
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Photographs:Integrated Studio | Cameron Campbell
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Manufacturers: Big Ass Fans, Bradley Corporation USA, Louis Poulsen, Lutron, Assa Abloy, Interface, Delta Millworks, Finelite, Lumenwerx, Manko Window Systems, Mohawk Flooring, Shaw, Toto, Web Joist, Windsor Windows + Doors
![Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb73/3718/dd68/f6a9/09e4/newsletter/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_11.jpg?1662372844)
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](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb5b/3718/dd49/93c6/9d2e/newsletter/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_1.jpg?1662372814)
![Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Image 15 of 17](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb1e/3718/dd49/93c6/9d29/newsletter/studio-03-1.jpg?1662372674)
![Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb57/3718/dd49/93c6/9d2d/newsletter/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_4.jpg?1662372809)
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](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb76/3718/dd68/f6a9/09e6/newsletter/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_14.jpg?1662372853)
![Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Image 16 of 17](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/e135/3718/dd68/f6a9/0bab/newsletter/studio-04-15-900-dpi-15.jpg?1662378418)
![Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb65/f55c/665b/c481/9b36/newsletter/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_7.jpg?1662372814)
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](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb71/3718/dd68/f6a9/09e1/medium_jpg/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_9.jpg?1662372845)
![Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Image 17 of 17](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb1f/3718/dd49/93c6/9d2b/medium_jpg/studio-05-3.jpg?1662372684)
![Neighborhood Design Studio / Studio Melee - Interior Photography, Stairs, Handrail](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb74/f55c/665b/c481/9b3a/medium_jpg/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_10.jpg?1662372851)
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](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb72/3718/dd68/f6a9/09e2/newsletter/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_5.jpg?1662372840)
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](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6315/cb74/3718/dd68/f6a9/09e5/newsletter/neighborhood-design-studio-studio-melee_12.jpg?1662372826)