The Ferdinand

Austin, Texas, USA

Situated near downtown East Austin, Texas, The Ferdinand stands as a functioning office building as well as a unique facility that serves as a testament to sustainability and occupant well-being. The three-story, 70,000-square-foot office building was designed to meet the standard of The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) ‘Framework for Design Excellence’ and the WELL Building Standard. Balancing energy efficiency and design aesthetics, the office building’s innovative construction meets the challenge of maximizing leasable office space on a small site while adhering to off-street parking requirements, Austin’s Core Transit Corridor requirements and zoning height restrictions. 

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the project during the design phase, which provided the opportunity for the architects at Cushing Terrell to design a building that promotes occupant health, safety and well-in a post-pandemic workplace. Keeping this in mind, air quality, natural light, access to outdoor spaces and occupant comfort became integral elements of the design. The office space was designed to meet tenants’ needs surrounding building security, technology, flexibility and seamless operation.  

Energy modeling was used to optimize long-term building performance while ensuring thermal comfort and access to natural light and views. Sustainable building materials, including Kawneer’s Trifab® VersaGlaze® 451T Framing System center glazed and 350 Medium Stile Entrances, were utilized to help provide building longevity and minimal maintenance. The building seamlessly blends into the local environment by prioritizing sustainability, health and well-being, offering an elevated experience for building occupants and the greater community, resulting in an innovative design that accommodates office, conference rooms and collaborative areas. 

ARCHITECT: Cushing Terrell, Austin, TX
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Sabre Commercial, Inc., Austin, TX
GLAZING CONTRACTOR: MS Glass, Houston, TX

Photography: © Andrea Calo