Dogfish Head Brewery

What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?

A referral for an interior fit-out project led to an interview which included a personal tour of the brewing operations and an introduction to the eccentric nature of their operations. We knew right away that this was a client we would enjoy working with.

Can you describe your design process for the building?

After a full-immersion into Dogfish Head culture, we performed a programming analysis that revealed the need for additional space, doubling the scope of the project to accommodate the growth of their eclectic operations. The fit-out expanded into a new addition and an opportunity to disrupt the prosaic symmetry of the brick and stucco facility in favor of something in-line with their “off-centered” philosophy. The ensuing site analysis led to a comprehensive landscape plan, strategically reconfiguring the drop-off and fire truck access in favor of new greenspace including two regulation bocce courts and an additional conference room in the form of the the Steampunk Treehouse.

How does the completed building compare to the project as designed? Were there any dramatic changes between the two and/or lessons learned during construction?

Due to a short schedule and shifting programmatic needs, the design process and the construction process occurred concurrently, precipitating an ongoing dialogue between the Design Team, the Construction Team, and the Owner. Opportunities to further embody and support Dogfish Head culture were continually discovered throughout the process - from unanticipated field conditions to new programmatic demands to the continuous flow of “off-centered” ideas.

How does the building compare to other projects in your office, be it the same or other building types?

Our current projects are diverse in type and scale, and our clients include educational institutions, non-profit organizations, commercial developers, and residential homeowners. This diversity is reflected in the Dogfish Head brewery, which features office and administrative space, retail space, and laboratory space. Due to the tight schedule, the expanding scope, and the client’s hands-on approach, this project had an unconventional yet rewarding process.

How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?

The project integrated straight-forward techniques to achieve efficiencies in use of material, water, and energy. The site design incorporated infiltration areas and pervious surfaces over what had previously been impervious pavement. Daylight modeling was utilized to locate windows and roof monitors, minimizing the need for artificial light. Most interior lighting is provided by high-efficient LED fixtures integrated into the steel joists. Local and salvaged materials were utilized for the cladding and furniture.

E-mail interview conducted by John Hill