Leaving the building’s shell largely intact, enclosed, yet transparent, “pods” are stacked on two floors with double-height public spaces nestled in between. This approach resolves the critical design challenge of creating enclosed workspaces – some of which need to be airtight, soundproof, and climate-controlled –without cutting up the building, impeding the flow of collaborative spaces or compromising the beauty of the long, narrow building. The Pods were constructed of wood, cross laminated timber, to expedite construction.

The wood surfaces were left exposed with blackened steel railings, stairs, and wainscot, harking back the steel plated boats that once occupied the building.