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The Lance Armstrong Foundation pledged to unite people fighting cancer and to locate their headquarters where the need was greatest.  The Foundation found a permanent home in a 1950’s warehouse in East Austin, an underserved community. Challenged with very little character or natural light, the warehouse was transformed into an energetic space.  The addition of a sawtooth roof and storefront windows flooded the interior with natural light and provided a connection with the outdoors.  Glulam beams removed during renovation were repurposed as interior architectural elements and roof decking was re-milled to construct a lively neighborhood of interior spaces including a community room, a family-style kitchen and work centers. The dynamic angled layout of the interior structures and furniture creates an urban landscape, defined by a main street circulation corridor, with neighborhoods for work groups. Park areas provide playful opportunities for collaboration or respite.  

Dovetailing with the Foundation’s goal of environmental stewardship, the project achieved LEED Gold certification, incorporating low-VOC construction materials and finishes to improve indoor air quality.  The location encourages employees to bike to work and utilize mass transit.  On site bicycle storage and employee showers further encourage sustainable transportation solutions.  Power is supplied by renewable energy sources and native vegetation minimizes environmental impact.  These cost-saving solutions allow the Foundation to direct more funds to activities that positively impact the lives of cancer survivors.

Most of the furnishings specified for the project are Greenguard Certified and received an Innovation Credit, however it is the custom designed Community Board Room furniture that enhances the level of social responsibility.  The solid oak table top, crafted from managed wood resources, was designed for function but also to tell a story. Embedded in the table is a yellow stripe and recycled Trek carbon fiber – symbolizing the journey, on the bike but more importantly, through cancer survivorship. The benches were fabricated from a single tree downed in a windstorm.  Hydroelectric and wind-generated power were used to manufacturer the custom pieces.  Carbon offsets were purchased to mitigate manufacturing and transportation emissions.

The design breathes healthy new life and energy into the building and community – reflecting the Foundation’s connection to each other, constituents, and community – creating a welcoming and healthy environment to LIVESTRONGTM.

• The reuse of building materials in unusual ways makes the space unique.  The space would be fun to work in.
• Lance Armstrong's goals of environmental stewardship were met with a multitude of strategies, including achieving LEED Gold certification
• Provides staff with a pleasing environment to work in with a number of areas for collaboration and areas for quiet focus