January, 2011| Burlington, Vermont

 

TruexCullins Architecture and Interior Design has received the 2010 AIA VT "People's Choice" Award for Excellence in Architecture Design for the Maltex Building renovation on Pine Street in Burlington. The "People's Choice" Award is given to the recipient of the most votes from a two-week period in November when the general public was invited to choose their favorite project among all of the entries for the AIA VT design awards.

Built in 1900, the Maltex Building was the factory headquarters of the Malted Cereal Company, later known as Maltex, which produced cereal and other malted products through the early 1970s. The company was famous for its maple-flavored cereal called Maypo. Later, Maltex was acquired by another company and the building became home to other industries. The 4-story brick masonry structure is now listed on the Vermont State Register of Historic Places.

In the 1950s, a one-story concrete block warehouse was added to the historic factory. The addition served utilitarian purposes, and little thought was given to the dialogue between the two structures or their combined presence on the street.

The current renovation sought to transform the warehouse into leasable office and studio space; to increase the energy efficiency of both structures; and to contribute to the vitality of the post-industrial Pine Street corridor.

A contemporary palette of engineered wood panels and ribbed metal was introduced at the Annex building to complement the adjoining brick structure while activating the street edge. The lettering and graphic logo of the building were cut directly into the ribbed metal panels.

Improvements to the historic masonry factory include new windows that dramatically improve thermal resistance, energy efficient lighting, and natural stone and wood finishes at interior common areas. The annex also received new energy-efficient windows and a new deck providing storefront businesses the convenience of direct access and frontage on Pine Street.

At the rear of the building, the loading dock was transformed from a place for idling trucks and garbage dumpsters to a pedestrian-friendly garden with stone dust swaths, tall native grasses, and a curved handicap-accessible ramp.

The design team included: Architects: Steve Kredell, AIA and Rolf Kielman, AIA; Interior Designer: Cecilia Redmond; Landscape Architect: H. Keith Wagner Partnership.

 

TruexCullins is an architecture and interior design firm located in Burlington, Vermont. For over 40 years, TruexCullins has developed lasting relationships with many public and private clients, addressing critical issues related to planning, programming, growth and new technologies. Today, TruexCullins provides the expertise and creativity of five distinct design studios in the disciplines of education, workplace, home, resort and interiors.
Photo Credit: Jim Westphalen

 

Photos by Westphalen Photography