montserrat financial services commission

Our proposal takes into account the unique site conditions, and the program required to serve the Commission. Our solution was to treat each programmatic block (The Financial Services Commision, Auditor General, and Financial Crimes Unit) as discrete physical blocks. These blocks are stacked on top of one another and sized according to their programmatic requirements. Additional rotations and shifts allow for terraces and overhangs at each level, providing outdoor areas and opportunities for shading and covered exterior space. Large openings are provided as ‘cuts’ through each volume, allowing light and air to penetrate into the building’s interior.

The entrance to the building is placed at the NE corner, under a large cantilevering volume, creating both a covered entrance and a covered pedestrian arcade. The ground floor contains the offices of the Financial Services commission, as well as several common spaces for all tenants including a generous conference room situated between the main lobby for outside visitors and the circulation for the offices above. The office of the Auditor General is on Floor 01, while the Financial Crimes Unit is on Floor 02. Two levels of parking are allocated below grade.

Our proposal utilizes traditional reinforced concrete and block construction typically found in the region, with a simple stucco finish on the exterior. We believe utilizing these simple and durable techniques not only will help facilitate construction, but result in a beautiful and long-lasting low maintenance end product. The proposed glazing is a combination of fixed and operable to allow for natural ventilation in the offices. These systems are hurricane rated glass, and are also recessed in the walls to allow for additional protection. We are proposing a dual solar shading louver and hurricane protection screen over all window openings. These louvers will not only provide some shading and reduce solar heat gain, but will act as hurricane shutters in the event of a storm.

Project Data
Location:  Little Bay Montserrat
Building Type:  Office Building
Area:  20,000 sqft