Rooftop Aerie

ROOFTOP AN URBAN, MIXED-USE PROJECT like this had never been attempted in Grand Rapids. The client sought a dramatic venue to entertain guests which coincidentally showcased the depth of artistry available in West Michigan. Via Design and Rockford Construction joined forces making local historyAerie Aerie and helping their client reach for the stars.

‘There was no other project that transformed a 1918 bank building into a combination of restaurant ‘ and offices, and then essentially built a house on top ...

T“THIS TRULY WAS THE FIRST big, rooftop deck effort to come to our city. “Finding innovative solutions for the work was really exciting, and we've been able to bring some of what we learned forward in other projects,” stated Mike VanGessel, founder and CEO of Rockford Construction. Via Design’s founder and principal interior designer, Valerie Schmieder, and Brian Barkwell, co-owner and principal architect, were behind the building’s architecture and design restoration and renovation from the ground floor up. This was the last space slated to be renovated and they had originally been tasked with creating a 7th floor entertainment suite. “The extensive refurbishing done to date was with utmost respect to preserve much of the classic historic details of that building,” noted Valerie. “Via Design had the pleasure of working with this client on past projects and we had their trust to explore a more contemporary structure.”

TEXT BY LYNN BAKEMAN PHOTOS BY BRIAN KELLY

“From the architectural detail to the amount of limestone and masonry used, and just how things were assembled in 1918 — it’s very hard to repeat. To build upon that level of quality with the juxtaposition of what Via Design imagined is striking: It’s old world and new world combined in a fantastic way.”

– Mike VanGessel As Brian explained, “When we began work on the architectural design, we realized an opportunity to capture additional space by cutting a sizable hole through the existing roof. This exposed the potential of an entirely new floor with multiple indoor/outdoor gathering terraces, lush gardens, and spectacular panoramic city views.

“This naturally required significant additional steel that frames and supports that structure and the opening in the floor. Visually, our approach was that the new addition appeared to co-exist seamlessly within the original structure.

“We aligned the structure relative to the rhythm of the existing façade. For example, our window fenestration aligns with the existing historical patterns while being expressed in a very contemporary way.”

Fenestration, derived from the Latin word for window, refers to any building openings including doors and windows. Advances in construction and materials have liberated an architect’s ability to reimagine load bearing openings, allowing more natural light into building façades.

Valerie pointed out that the contemporary lines of the addition are reflected in neighboring structures. It is no mistake that Via Design carefully considered this project in context to the entire city block.

“We were involved from the very beginning from the concept through the build to help determine constructibility with Via Design,” said Aaron Ebnit, senior project manager with Rockford Construction. “Whatever they throw at us, they trust that we can always help them find a solution, budget it, and execute their design.”

“Constructibility” defines the ease and efficiency with which structures can be built. This project management technique reviews construction processes and identifies obstacles before a project is started to reduce or prevent errors, delays, and cost overruns.

“An old building presents design constraints; these aren’t always unwelcomed and when embraced, they can inspire real creativity,” added Mike. “Window rhythm, starting square footage, and ceiling heights are examples. One of the biggest constraints is not introducing more weight and mass than the building was engineered to hold. We thrive on challenges that force us to think of creative solutions.”

Towering glass walls and oversized windows flood interior spaces with natural light which

The newly created rooftop terraces provide several intimate spaces for gatherings with season-spanning heated concrete roof pavers.

The 8th floor rooftop addition is a subtle nod in architectural design that echoes the contemporary curves of the neighboring DeVos Performance Hall.

Living roof garden systems abound on this floor. Selected by Via Design and the client, the grasses and succulents have thrived in their exposed setting.

The northeast corner stair and freight elevator tower is architecturally in sync with the rooftop addition. It is topped with a viewing platform that offers 360-degree city views.

Brazilian Ipe wood was also used in areas of the upper decking for its fine grain and superior durability and hardness.

The rooftop addition has a dedicated bar with a white onyx countertop. The overhead fixtures are imbedded with a color-changing remote control LED light.

The collection of art found throughout is mesmerizing including the Push Pin Portrait by Eric Daigh of Traverse

City, Mich., that complements the patio bar area beautifully. Movable glass NanaWalls open to serve as a walk-through space from both sides of the roof garden.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Towering glass walls and oversized windows flood the interior rooftop spaces with natural light which blurs the boundary between the inside and outside. The interior design achieves an open, airy feeling that maximizes unimpeded flow from space to space.

blurs the boundary between the inside and outside. Valerie’s interior design achieves an open, airy feeling that maximizes unimpeded flow from room to room.

“What gives a project staying power is very minimalist design and interior architecture, and using classic statement furniture pieces,” said Valerie. “We prioritized sourcing from West Michigan artisans or manufacturers as that was very important to the client. We took our cue from classic furniture pieces like Herman Miller that came in walnut and used that classic wood species throughout. I also used pops of red-orange accent colors which I consider a very classic Grand Rapids color ... like the Calder sculpture.

“The floors are seven-and-a-half-inch plank bleached walnut, and the cabinets have a darker stain. A lot of the millwork and custom cabinetry was designed by our own Matt Maher and fabricated with exquisite precision by Scott Christopher Homes The Custom Shop.”

Stepping into the foyer, guests are immediately clued into the Grand Rapids artistic vibe by one of Joseph Jeup’s more sculptural furniture creations, a unique credenza.

The next view to greet guests is the centerpiece of the suite, the floating staircase that represents a unique engineering feat. “It was important to me and Val that this stair be architecturally beautiful, but also appear to be floating up through that space,” said Brian. “Those are concrete treads

The stairwell Bocci ball light fixture looks like an ArtPrize installation, but the articulated, cast glass spheres are one of Valerie’s favorites. Bocci is a design and manufacturing company based in Vancouver and Berlin that explores light as a medium “cultivating a fluid position between the fields of architecture, sculpture, invention and design.”

Functional art, the foyer table was created by Joseph Jeup, Joseph Jeup, Inc. Kentwood, Mich. The artwork above is “Liquid Drawing” by Sun K. Kwak, a striking introduction to the space. “Val’s work is timeless,” shared Mike. “She just lives beyond trends, effortlessly capturing design in a way that transcends time. Her ability to select enduring materials and colors — no matter what the project — is unrivaled.”

– Mike VanGessel

which made floating it even more challenging. We added a wooden railing for tactile warmth as it is grasped, and visual warmth countering the coolness of the concrete and steel.”

“That stair also created an opportunity to make a sculptural statement visible from the outside of the building,” added Valerie. “It’s especially lovely at night and can be seen from some distance away.”

Level 5 is the highest level of drywall finishes and it sets the stage to serve as a silken backdrop for artwork and the interplay of light in this structure. As Aaron pointed out, this really showcases the artistic talents of Rockford Construction’s drywallers as it takes extensive effort to achieve. “You skim the entire wall to remove any imperfections so that with natural light shining off the walls, it has a softness and depth as it is built up more,” said Aaron. “It gives you an old-world craftsmanship feel in the space as though it’s been there forever.”

The 7th floor also features a residential suite for the use of family or guests. Appointed in rich walnut with linen wallpaper, it is the only space that is fully carpeted to make it feel cozy, private, and separate from entertaining spaces.

The suite’s private bathroom is a calm, Zen-like oasis despite being filled with street-facing windows. “It's difficult space for a bathroom and we had to place the vanities right in front of the windows,” said Brian. “I remember when Val suggested floating the mirrors over light-filtering privacy shades in front of the windows and that just blew my mind. It was such a strikingly beautiful solution.”

A chef’s presentation kitchen flanks the spacious, yet intimate dining room. A cantilevered window offers a panoramic west-facing view. Architecturally, Brian has related the window’s wedge shape on the exterior to the entry of the Reserve Wine & Food restaurant below.

Although most of the 7th floor is left purposefully open plan, Via Design wanted to warm the space with a dramatic, floating, two-sided fireplace, creating an open, yet visual separation from the large dining hall.

Mike commented on the fireplace, “To fulfill Via Design’s vision, this was a custom piece involving multiple contractors; you just can't buy one of those off the shelf!”

An L-shaped room behind the kitchen is similar in design to a back-of-house restaurant galley for caterers, food prep, and waiter staging. It is ingeniously situated for access to the freight elevator constructed to service the building.

To meet modern building code standards, two means of building egress were required, so Brian and the Via Design team designed a northeast corner stair and freight elevator tower with two important features. It would be topped by a viewing platform offering 360-degree city views and it would be architecturally in sync with the rooftop addition.

“The stairway was needed to meet building code, but there’s no reason it couldn’t be an architecturally significant expression,” said Brian. “We designed it so that it climbs up the whole back of the building almost like a contemporary bean stalk before finally resolving itself onto the roof in a functionally eclectic viewing platform.”

“With 360-degree rooftop views comes exposure, so a great deal of engineering thought went into wind breaks for year-round comfort and building eyebrows to knock down the heat gain of the southern exposure,” said Mike. “Even the flag poles were a big deal to support within the structure to withstand the force of the rooftop winds.” OPPOSITE PAGE: Four iconic Herman Miller Eames chairs with turned stools are a welcome fireside addition. Considered the “staple of modern design” since thier introduction in 1956, the Eames chair is best appreciated with ample space, physically and visually. This area is perfect for such a dramatic statement.

Joseph Jeup designed the dining room table and furniture. Handwoven custom area rugs made by the Scott Group Studio tie together contemporary design themes in both the dining room and adjoining living room.

THIS PAGE: A chef’s presentation kitchen flanks the spacious, yet intimate dining room. Opposite the fireplace, a cantilevered window offers a panoramic west-facing view.

Newly created rooftop terraces create several intimate spaces for gatherings including a firepit and west and east terraces with season-spanning heated concrete roof pavers. Movable glass NanaWalls open to serve as a walk-through space from both sides of the roof garden.

“Rockford Construction was an amazing partner on this project,” stated Brian. “Their ability to engineer so many of the addition’s structural challenges was not easy; even figuring out how to stage equipment in such a limited ground level space was masterful.”

“Working alongside exceptionally creative designers like those at Via Design challenges and energizes us. They trust us to execute their vision and it showcases the depth of our skills,” replied Mike.

The combined teamwork of Via Design and Rockford Construction proved that the sky is the limit when bringing new concepts to the Grand Rapids skyline. ❂ The 7th floor also features a residential suite for the use of family or guests. Appointed in rich walnut with linen wallpaper, it is the only space that is carpeted to make it feel cozy, private, and separate from entertaining spaces.

The suite’s private bathroom is a calm, Zen-like oasis despite being filled with street-facing windows. Floating the mirrors over light-filtering privacy shades in front of the windows provided a beautiful solution to this challenging bathroom design.

VIA DESIGN

has become a haven for talented designers who — in addition to creating functional art through full-service architecture, interior, and furniture design — are encouraged to pursue personal artistic fulfillment, often creating lasting works that remain in their client’s homes or offices.

ROCKFORD

CONSTRUCTION

has a solid reputation in developing, building, and managing project resources for the long-term success of a project and its contribution to the community.

“There are important details that must be thought out, understood, and done right early in the design process. This keeps the project flowing smoothly and avoids costly delays and modifications when something fails dimensionally. That’s the sensibility that Rockford provides as a builder. “The art of problem solving to create a design that reflects a client’s vision is most rewarding, but seeing it come to fruition is the enduring reward.” – Valerie Schmieder, founder, principal interior designer, Via Design “When you work with Via Design, you’re not working with me alone but with a collaborative team. We all share the passion of discovering innovative design concepts that form the foundation of a project and fuel its successful completion.” – Brian Barkwell, co-owner and principal architect

“As a mixed-use building, how the common areas are treated, the acoustics, and all the different mechanical functions that have to happen within the building — all had to be thought out early on. – Mike VanGessel Founder & CEO, Rockford Construction “The historic Commercial Savings Bank was built in 1918. It was a solid steel structure filled with masonry and had a 4-foot wooden attic on the top which we had to remove. Any time you’re working with an old structure and attempting to tie new construction into old, there are challenges. But, it's a challenge that our engineering team was ready to overcome.

“Unfortunately, there were no existing architectural drawings, so our structural engineer had to model the entire building from the footing foundations all the way up to the roof. They began with the existing steel and masonry used in 1918 and then had to factor in the weight and mass of the new architectural construction materials.

“The elevator tower and viewing platform was quite challenging to construct requiring 50 micropiles — steel threaded bars that drill down until they hit bedrock — in this instance about 50 feet deep. Surrounded by concrete slurry, these foundational pins enhance mass stability and transfer structural load into a lower layer of secure, stable material; especially important when working on structures close to the river.” – Aaron Ebnit, senior project manager