WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
THE ROTUNDA
COMMUNITY PLANNING LIFESTYLE DESIGN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C. 757-435-3519 cw@wermers.net
© 2010 Wermers Design & Architecture PLC
Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
the ROTUNDA condominiums
Rotunda Condominiums view from Freemason Street along with St. Paul’s Place Condominium multiplex units in the foreground.
transformed
Originally a 1960’s concrete frame office building with a precast panel skin, the Rotunda was into an iconic downtown condominium residence. The unique character and quality of the design has attracted buyers to downtown Norfolk during a challenging market environment. Construction was substantially completed in 2008. As of early 2010, approximately two-thirds of the units are sold. Architectural work was done in collaboration with Via Design Architects. original concept sketch by Charles Wermers, 2003 Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
the ROTUNDA site plan
The Rotunda is positioned at a major entry from I-264 into downtown Norfolk, VA. It is sited on a peninsula shaped piece of land surrounded diverse street conditions including the low scale historic Freemason Street, the major traffic artery St. Paul’s Boulevard and the downtown mall access road. The round tower actually works to place an exclamation point at the intersection of the diverse urban condition and create a powerful entry marker into the downtown.
plans
The round floor plate dictated pie shape living units at The Rotunda. Loft units were designed to feel natural and dynamic, eliminating the feel of converging unit partitions. Vertically the building is divided into three sections, vertically: the base, middle and top. The Base contains the first two floors, the first floor having 18 foot ceiling and an open mezzanine space. The second floor is the typical single floor layout with added diameter and a unique window pattern. The 3rd through 6th floors are the typical single floor layout with an assortment of 1 & 2 bedroom units (3 basic types). The 7th floor penthouse is a two-story, upside down unit. The entrance is on the lower floor with the sleeping areas and the living space is on the top floor, which was added to the existing building. This arrangement maximized the view, allowed for large terraces and allow for use of the existing elevator shafts without extending them to an 8th floor (saving money). Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
the ROTUNDA interiors Penthouse Unit
First Floor Unit
Typical loft Unit
Loft interior designs maximized the character of the existing high ceilings and concrete structural frame. Typical standards were developed and each unit has its own style derived from material selections, views and existing conditions.
site plan
Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
St. Paul’s Place condominiums Located along historic Freemason Street
St. Paul’s Place is an urban infill project located on East Freemason Street in downtown Norfolk. The Architectural work was produced in collaboration with Lyally Design Architects. Inspired by historic Freemason Street, we developed a mix of two unit types: Flats and Lofts. The Flats create the Freemason streetscape. They mimic the historic mansions in scale and proportion, providing a traditional urban lifestyle. The lofts have a grander scale that relates to the busier St. Paul’s Boulevard. The Loft units have an open, modern plan with exposed duct work and piping.
lofts
The Lofts are inspired by historic downtown apartment blocks. Each block is comprised of 16 loft units with tuck under parking in the rear.
Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
St. Paul’s Placeflats
The Flats are inspired by the historic mansion of Freemason Street. These new “mansions” are comprised of 3 or 6 smaller units with tuck under parking in the rear.
loft interiors
TYPICAL LOFT
TYPICAL LOFT KITCHEN Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
St. Paul’sflat Place interiors TYPICAL FLAT BATHROOM
TYPICAL FIREPLACE
site plan
Entrance Sign
Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
the Preserve community
The Preserve on the Elizabeth consists of 170 homes on over 200 acres of land, much of its dedicated to conservation. The Community is planned as a pedestrian friendly, street oriented community. Traditional Planning blends with suburban requirements to create a unique characters. Many of the homes front the streets with porches. Garages are accessed from alleys where possible. The clock tower above is the focal point of the Entrance Green.
houses
Wermers Development build over 60 homes from 7 models. Significant difference in elevations of adjacent homes provide architectural variation and created the appearance of an older neighborhood.
Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
the Preserve landscape
Great care was taken to preserve existing old grow trees by creating green spaces the weave through the community. These spaces help to create a pedestrian friendly neighborhood.
CLUBHOUSE SITE PLAN
CLUBHOUSE POOL
CLUBHOUSE SITE PLAN Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
the Preserve clubhouse
site plan
Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
Harborcondominiums Walk
HARBOR WALK ENTRANCE
VIEW ACROSS PRETTY LAKE
Harbor Walk was envisioned as a premier, waterfront condominium project in East Ocean View. This plan creates a pedestrian friendly, medium density neighborhood. The units were located so that the clubhouse and promenade provide access to the water for all the residents. The units are a mix of flats and townhouses.
clubhouse CLUBHOUSE PORCH
BOAT SLIPS PAVILION
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Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
Harbor Walk the units FLATS
TOWNHOUSES
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Published in Interiors & Sources Magazine Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
Diner Deluxe Interior Design
Interior Design services were provided for this hip, retro, Norther Virginia Diner. The program called for three dining areas, a bar, a bakery display and an eating counter.
Interior designs for custom homes
Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
Custom Homes residential
Virginia Beach home designs and remodels.
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Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.
WERMERS DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, P.L.C.
Planet Movies with rockwellgroup
Planet Movies was a Planet Hollywood and AMC Theaters venture that started and ended with this prototype at Easton Town Center in Easton, Ohio. The concept combined an AMC multiplex theater, a Planet Hollywood Restaurant, a All Star Cafe Restaurant, A Planet Pizza kiosk and a Cool Planet ice cream kiosk around a mall space themed as a “sound stage�. Charles Wermers was served as team leader at Rockwell Group and lead a team of architect and interior designers though the design of this unique mall environment.
Wermers Design & Architecture, P.L.C.