Skylab's chic new office in Portland occupies 10,000 square feet of space within two semi-cylindrical steel warehouses for a moody industrial feel.

After outgrowing their previous space in an old building in downtown Portland, Oregon, Skylab Architecture sought to find to a new home that could address their concerns: How can our studio evolve from a dedicated workspace to a playground for the art and design community" Where can we find a space to integrate gardens, an event venue, and a fabrication shop, as well as our studio" Three years later, they unexpectedly arrived at an answer in the form of two semi-cylindrical steel warehouse buildings originally constructed in the 1940s situated on a triangular corner lot in a northwest industrial neighborhood. Skylab renovated the 10,000-square-foot structure and reworked the space into a dark and moody, yet inspiring, and undeniably cool modern office.
The existing 40-foot-long skylight was extended to 60 feet, bringing natural light into the new rows of workstations. Nearby, a wooden cube encased by glass walls on two sides offers privacy while maintaining visibility. A custom table displays models of the practice’s work.

An enclosed walkway links the two buildings and connections to the surrounding environment are supported by floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

The raw but refined interior aesthetic, reminiscent of Nordic wooden cabins, is established through materiality. The textural concrete floors...