This Pedestal-like Parking holds up a Gleaming Glass Office Tower | 405 Colorado

Architecture studio Duda Paine recently unveiled the 405 Colorado office building in Austin that smoothly blends two distinct materials into one. The signature architecture combines a sculptural glass form that meets a terracotta base to match the city’s progressive urban spirit. Know more about the project on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).



The 405 Colorado office building is a structural form that contrasts faceted glass office levels with an earth-tone parking structure. 

Located at the prominent corner of Austin’s Central Business District, the 405 Colorado office building is a structural form that contrasts faceted glass office levels with an earth-tone parking structure. The studio had been commissioned to create a parking structure. However, the architects realised that it would be better utilization of space with an office element atop. Drawing inspiration from the works of Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi, the studio designed a structural glass office tower in contrast to the terracotta-clad parking structure, which acts as a pedestal. It was important to separate the glass from the podium so that it would appear more object-like, rather than budding from the podium itself.


The studio designed a structural glass office tower in contrast to the terracotta-clad parking structure, which acts as a pedestal. 

The choice of having a terracotta base was mainly to blend into the historical buildings of downtown Austin. Earthbound in a way, the terracotta-coloured garage unifies with the brick buildings of the neighbourhood. The flooring in the lobby demonstrates the time-honoured tile technique of mosaic tiling in a modern way, which has been fabricated by artisans.

The distinct 24-storey tower has taken a sculptural approach to the glass portion to avoid competition from other skyscrapers in the vicinity by separating from the parking garage below by a terrace on the 14th floor. The glass is separated from the terracotta with a series of concrete columns. The elevator core has been shifted from the centre of the building to one of the edges to maintain the parking functionality. The architects affixed folds on the glass portion that faces the river to maximize views for the occupants and also to enhance the visual appeal for onlookers. According to the architects, the glass portion reflects the clouds and shows the union of warm and cool through technology. This solid combination of cladding and high-performance glass also enhances natural daylight and provides an energy-conscious building enclosure.


The choice of having a terracotta base was mainly to blend into the historical buildings of downtown Austin. 

Project details

Size: 465,210 sqft
Completion: December, 2020
Sustainability: LEED Silver
Photographs: Leonid Furmansky; Courtesy: Duda Paine Architects
×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

Luminous Murano Glass Cube Reimagined into Sculptural Seating for Milan Fashion Week

Each cube, standing 43cm tall, has been meticulously created using a complex cast-iron mould, a process that balanced precision with the natural fluidity of molten glass.

Read more

Lime, Terrazzo and Concrete Shape the Miteshbhai Residence | VH Design, Ahmedabad

Rooted in function yet steeped in emotion, the Miteshbhai Residence - Artist Prelude captures the personalities of its inhabitants through a tactile symphony of lime-plastered walls, terrazzo flooring, raw concrete, fluted wood and subtle brass accents.

Read more

The WADE ASIA 2025: Recognizing India’s Trailblazing Women in Design and Architecture

With unmatched participation and impact, the 10th edition has paved the way for the next decade of women in design and also establishing THE WADE ASIA as the best event for brands to connect with architects.

Read more

“Our Core Focus is on Innovation,” says Mr. Saurabh Bansal, Joint Managing Director, DORSET – Exhibitor and Innovation Partner at THE WADE ASIA Architecture Conference 2025

Speaking at THE WADE ASIA 2025, the company highlighted its cutting-edge innovations in security, design, and sustainability, according to Surfaces Reporter (SR).

Read more


This is alt