Olmsted Nashville wins at 2019 IIDA Best of the Best Awards
IIDA Georgia’s annual Best of the Best Awards Ceremony was a memorable night for NBA! The interior design department took home an award in the Live: Best of Multi-Family category for a third year in a row. Olmsted Nashville received the top prize and Trellis House, another NBA project, was also recognized as a finalist. Read more about Olmsted Nashville below.
Category: Live, Best of Multi-Family
Project: Olmsted Nashville
Client: Cocke Finkelstein Inc.
The client directive was to create a unique ‘sense of place’ with a new way of living in the hip, thriving SoBro neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee. Target residents include entrepreneurs, artists, and free-spirits seeking community and connections while advancing careers and relationships. The project aims to draw in locals to mingle with residents and foster interactions by creating a desirable environment for both work and play. This live-work-play program must not feel forced, but be approachable, comfortable and above all ‘work’ for a diverse resident mix.
The overall design concept was to provide a new twist on the typical multi-family property by offering a true communal space for both residents and neighbors alike. The aesthetic includes rich textures against strong industrial and contemporary forms that are informed by the property’s surroundings. Curated, eclectic luxury goods, both old and new, incorporates rich texture while not falling into the trap of over-emphasizing the local country music industry in Nashville. This collected design aesthetic extends throughout all amenity areas for a cohesive, fully engaging design. While some spaces promote higher energy through color and form, others should be intentionally calmer and quieter for work, study and relaxation. Honest materials, natural light and views allowing neighbors a glimpse in to the property ensure a successful collective demographic.
The completed project delivers a strong, bespoke property that has created ‘buzz’ in this vibrant, urban neighborhood. By developing the ‘Community Coffeehouse,’ visible to the public through intriguing modern concrete forms juxtaposed with warm textures and historic elements, the public is invited in for social interaction with residents. This communal space includes seating for up to 100 people in various open and semi-enclosed enclaves, providing the perfect vessel for co-working and relationship building. The property now hosts weekly events in this community space for residents, including song-writer musical events, speakers / poetry readings, and fashion events.
Brick, masonry, and steel draw on local neighborhood roots, while 9’ diameter concrete pipes, stacked in a honeycomb pattern, create individual co-working alcoves across the two levels. The second level mezzanine allows great connections to both the bar, dining, and quieter living areas. Garage doors allow for an open-air experience.
Industrial influences are intentionally found throughout the property, including the fitness center which features a dramatic 20’ tall rock-climbing wall. The initial sense of community is emphasized throughout additional amenity areas, including the resort-style pool, roof-top terrace, and pet spa, all which provide a modern twist within their timeless, geometric forms.
