Cooper Steel

Project Statement

Cooper Steel started in 1960 in a modest 1,800 sf shop near downtown Shelbyville, TN. What began as a small operation with part-time employees and very limited resources, has grown to five office locations. To help plan for the next wave of growth at the Shelbyville campus, the design team was enlisted to develop a master plan concept which includes a new 29,390 sf ground-up office building on the north edge of the campus.

The building sits perched atop a knoll overlooking the campus to its south but also serves as an architectural introduction to Cooper Steel for southbound visitors arriving at the site via North Hillcrest Drive. The massing concept is derived from two distinct intersecting masses with the void subtracted to create a double-height lobby and reception area. The primary form has a simple gable roof and tall, slender windows, drawing inspiration from local barn and distillery examples, while the intersecting east/west form strikes a contrasting modern tone with a dramatic cantilever, wood cladding and exposed steel truss language on the exterior. The program of the building includes office and support spaces for the four main divisions of the company (Safety/HR/Accounting/Operations) as well as a full-service break room and training/community room that will serve as a public gathering space for those within the greater Shelbyville Area.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

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**Design For Well-Being**

The building seeks to provide a lushly landscaped site with pedestrian friendly elements (sidewalks, bike racks, golf cart paths) connecting back to the primarily industrial main campus. Every interior workspace is filled with natural light and views connecting employees to the adjacent landscape.

 

**Design for Discovery** \n The design process for the Cooper Steel new training facility can foster a long-term relationship between designers, users, and operators by emphasizing collaboration and continuous feedback throughout all phases. By involving the owners and end-users in workshops during the initial design stages, and along the process, we have been able to gather insights that reflect their needs and aspirations, ensuring that their voices helped shape the facility’s functionality and intentional design outcome. Implementing flexible spaces that adapt to evolving training methods will allow the facility to remain relevant, while establishing a feedback loop post-occupancy will enable ongoing dialogue about performance and improvements. This iterative approach not only strengthens relationships but also cultivates a sense of ownership among users, enhancing overall satisfaction and ensuring that design intentions are realized effectively over time.

 

**Design for Change**

The Cooper Steel training center is designed with adaptability and resilience at its core, strategically addressing future risks and vulnerabilities associated with social, economic, and environmental changes. By incorporating modular spaces and flexible layouts, the facility can easily accommodate evolving training needs and diverse user groups, ensuring relevance in shifting markets and local employee retainment through education, security and improved facilities. Sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems enhance long-term value while reducing environmental impact, effectively addressing climate change challenges. Additionally, the design emphasizes passive through natural ventilation, daylighting, and creating a livable environment that promotes well-being. This forward-thinking approach not only future proofs the facility but also fosters a dynamic space that can evolve alongside its community.