The new BioFire Administrative offices are so enticing, I had the image of architectural sirens that use light, forms, and natural materials to enchant workers back to work. The new building, located in an industrial area near BioFire’s warehouse and processing facility southwest of the Salt Lake City Airport, is built by Okland Construction, designed by FFKR Architects, and features furnishings by CCG Salt Lake.
The reception area is part of an atrium soaring up four floors to a skylight. Seemingly unsupported floating concrete stairs connect the levels. The public/guest entrance is to the west and the more dramatic employee entrance landscaped with a courtyard and fountain is on the east end, seen to the left of the photo.
Higher in the open atrium, you can view the skylight and the configuration that brings the southern light inside indirectly. Another floating concrete stairway connects the third and fourth levels, and you can see the glass walkways.
In this view to an upper floor conference room, the spaces layer beneath with extended patios and gardens for employees to step out for fresh air or to enjoy a respite in a leafy serene space.
A variety of spaces adapted to employee needs can be seen in this one view. To the far left is the glass wall of a small conference room, in the center is a well-equipped collaboration area; to the right are individual glass booths for private calls, and in the foreground are a pair of buttercup hued chairs for catching a casual word.
Glass partitions provide privacy and block sound, but they allow the natural light to fill the space and provides a sense of openness.
A cluster of cafes provide healthy choices for dining in the spacious cafeteria or out in the patio courtyard by the fountain.
This elegant executive conference room is ready for the exchange of lofty ideas. A refreshment area is screened behind a partial wall.
I’ve been focusing on the interiors, so here is the building from the southwest corner: there are two masses with a central linkage. The western portion of the building overhangs the entrance and western windows.
From the photo of the western entrance, you can see the connection between the two flanking brick forms.
The streetside western entrance is indeed attractive. However, the eastern entrance, the one used by employees has a lush courtyard and fountain—showing the employees their importance by means of the building’s design. The landscapers were still finishing up the eastern side. I hope to be making shots of it some sunny day next week.
All photos by Scot Zimmerman
View more of BioFire’s unique architectural offices here!