Habitat for Humanity Dane County Administration Office

Objective:

A New Home

Habitat for Humanity Dane County (HFHDC) had outgrown their previous space, finding themselves constrained by inadequate space to efficiently carry out their operations and meet the growing demands of their mission. The HFHDC Central Campus project aimed to consolidate the organizations essential functions, enhance organizational efficiency, increase sustainability efforts, and foster the Dane County community. They sought a location that was close to where customers were familiar with yet spacious enough to accommodate the growth of both the administrative operations and the ReStore location.

When the recently vacated Odana Road Antique Mall became available, HFHDC saw it as an ideal solution to their current and future requirements. The newly refurbished 45,000 SF central campus now serves as a singular hub for the community, housing HFHDC’s administrative offices, versatile community, and educational spaces, an expanded ReStore West location, and ReStore warehouse – all united under the same roof for the first time. This transformative project resonates with HFHDC’s core mission of providing affordable housing solutions and empowering families towards stability and self-reliance.

SOLUTION:

Open & Flexible Space

Thoughtful planning and space division were essential project components to maximize the building’s programming and create an open, easy-to-navigate environment. HFHDC’s office and meeting occupy the western section of the building, strategically positioned to benefit from the newly installed windows that flood the space with natural light. This not only enhances staff productivity and well-being but also exemplifies Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to transparency and accessibility for visiting families.

Beyond serving as administrative spaces, this multifunctional facility doubles as a dynamic training hub for volunteers and new homeowners alike. Flexible-use areas, such as the breakroom, seamlessly merge with the expansive training room, ensuring fluidity in space utilization. The design incorporates an overhead garage door, enabling these areas to transition effortlessly between large communal settings and intimate meeting spaces, highlighting the facility’s adaptability.

Private offices were thoughtfully designed to serve dual purposes, seamlessly transforming into meeting rooms when not in use by flexible work-from-home personnel. Moreover, a family-centric conference room includes a dedicated breakout space catering specifically to children, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all.

The Habitat Story

The design solution for the overall space is a balance of form and functionality with an emphasis on affordability. Strategic pops of Habitat’s bright, welcoming colors were incorporated through the store and office to create an inclusive and inviting atmosphere. The design team focused on reusing materials and integrating secondhand items from the ReStore was not only more affordable for Habitat, but also embedded the mission, sense of history, and community within the space. Incorporating thoughtful design elements such as thematic vinyl cutouts and utilizing the exterior wall of a home as 3D wall art, Habitat for Humanity vividly illustrates the journey of homeownership and construction. Keys, nails, and hard hats are creatively employed as vinyl wall art, providing a cost-effective yet artistic portrayal of Habitat’s narrative. These imaginative touches not only elevate the visual allure of the space but also serve as constant reminders of the organization’s unwavering mission and values.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Beyond the physical spaces, the project embodies HFHDC’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Consolidating operations has not only increased operational efficiency but also expanded the ReStore’s square footage significantly. More space in the ReStore translates to more income and greater capacity to assist families in need of housing. HFHDC builds about 15 houses annually in Dane County, and from this project’s increased efficiency and revenue the new central campus is now projected to build at least 17 houses per year equating to more than an 11% increase.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church

Objective:

A Vision for Growth and Ministry

In partnership with Strang, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church embarked on a dynamic journey of renovation and expansion. Our team was guided by the need to adapt to the church’s rapid growth and increased demands for expanded programs and ministry. Through the comprehensive nature of this project, our goal was to create improvements that would meet the evolving needs of the congregation.

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SOLUTION:

Strategic Vision

Strang initiated the project with a thorough space needs analysis to accommodate the rapid growth and expanded programs and ministry of St. Luke’s. This analysis served as the cornerstone for the development of a master plan, strategically identifying the ultimate growth potential on the existing site.

Proposed Multi-Phase Expansion

Strang’s design solution involved a renovation and expansion aimed at enhancing the church’s facilities. This includes the addition of an educational wing, a multi-purpose life center, a narthex expansion, a chapel, and the enlargement of the nursery and administrative offices. The project resulted in the holistic improvement of the existing facility, fostering an environment conducive to worship and community engagement. These enhancements collectively contributed to the overall functionality, aesthetics, and usability of the church, while creating a welcoming and inclusive space.

Grant Assistance

Strang also actively supported St. Luke’s in securing a design and Implementation Grant through the Wisconsin Focus on Energy. This grant specifically targeted the improvement of mechanical systems and building envelope design, aligning with our team’s commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient practices.

This project serves as a testament to the collaborative effort between St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and Strang in realizing a vision of growth and adaptability. The proposed design solutions reflect our team’s dedication to creating a vibrant and nurturing space for the community.

Sun Prairie United Methodist Church

Objective:

Revitalizing Worship

In 1999, Strang spearheaded a transformative 12,000 SF addition to the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, introducing a fellowship hall, new offices, and classrooms. Building on this success, Strang was years later entrusted with developing preliminary designs for comprehensive renovations to the sanctuary and the addition of a Welcome Center. This project aimed to revitalize the following various areas:

  • Worship space: including narthex, sanctuary, and sacristy.
  • Music space: transforming storage areas into a functional music storage/library, music storage room, and choir rehearsal room.
  • Staff space: incorporating clerical office, pastor’s office, staff room, and custodial storage and office.
  • Education space: redesigning preschool, classrooms, and nursery/infant room.
  • Community space: revamping library/conference room, chapel, and fellowship hall.
  • Support space: enhancing corridor, kitchen, kitchen storage, toilets, and storage rooms.

The overall goal for the renovation focused on creating a more inviting, functional, and transcendent facility. Key objectives included enhancing wayfinding, optimizing sanctuary seating, and ensuring accessibility and safety for the congregation. The project also aimed to increase organization and efficiency in the church’s existing spaces, prioritize cost and energy-efficient building systems, and implement enduring changes that support future growth.

Large Choir Layout
Small Music Ensemble Layout
Special Event Layout
In the Round Layout

SOLUTION:

A New Perspective

The sanctuary underwent a significant transformation with a 180° rotation, now orienting the congregation eastward. This allowed for a clear, unified entrance sequence from the new narthex to the East of Fellowship Hall with interior windows creating an area for overflow seating. The new narthex orientation and layout are essential in anticipating the potential for sanctuary expansion. Key features include an ornamental screen, energy-efficient tinted windows, and angled soffits to emphasize focal points while concealing mechanical elements.

The updated sanctuary seating now offers flexibility with a combination of fixed pews and movable chairs. Demountable platforms serve as chancel and choir risers, supporting various spatial configurations.

A list of the latest changes include:

  • A redesigned open chancel area with new seating.
  • Addition of a sacristy for worship preparation.
  • Upgraded technology, including a custom-designed sanctuary window.
  • Introduction of a new narthex gathering area with a covered entrance.
  • A conference room adjacent to the narthex with upgraded technology.
  • A multipurpose room for education and recreation.
  • Redesign of the chapel.
  • Upgrades to office and kitchen areas.

 

Strang’s commitment to longevity, functionality, and inclusivity is evident. The improvements made help the church remain resilient while embodying the vision of being a welcoming home that embraces all and makes a positive impact in people’s lives.

First United Methodist Church

Awards

International Interior Design Association

Award of Excellence
2008

Awards

American Society of Interior Designers

Gold Award for Custom Design
2008

Objective:

Welcoming Worship

This project focused on expanding and enhancing First United Methodist Church’s ability to serve its community by constructing a 26,000 SF addition. This addition aimed to provide essential support spaces, including a welcoming narthex, flexible fellowship hall, administrative offices, classrooms, a food pantry, and a serene chapel. Our team’s design approach was centered around creating an inclusive and inviting environment for both members and visitors.

SOLUTION:

Fellowship and Flexibility

The First United Methodist Church expansion is a testament to thoughtful design that seamlessly integrates the church’s rich history. The octagonal narthex on the first floor serves as a vibrant hub for church activities, featuring backlit stained-glass panels salvaged from their original building and built-in seating units. Inspired by the original octagonal-shaped sanctuary, this space provides a formal gathering area for before and after services, promoting community engagement.

A First-Floor Haven

The fellowship hall, also on the first floor, is designed for hospitality and maximum flexibility, with a full-service kitchen, acoustic design, and A/V technology to accommodate a wide range of uses and events. North facing floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with diffuse natural daylight and establish a visual connection with the street.

Chapel of Serenity & Transcendence

The second-floor chapel, inspired by the themes of water, fire, and light, serves multiple purposes, including education, reflection, small ceremonies, and study groups. Large windows infuse the entire chapel with natural light, while mechanical window shades enable easy transformation into a presentation space. The chapel design draws inspiration from the Chartres Labyrinth, invoking a strong sense of simplicity and centering oneself. A double light cove enhances light-level flexibility, emphasizing the central element of the space. A textured wall, reminiscent of gentle waves, pays homage to the water-related metaphors and sacraments of the Christian faith. The architectural ceilings and labyrinth are accentuated by dramatic lighting on the back wall, creating interest without detracting from the overall design.

Strang’s solution for the First United Methodist Church expansion reflects a commitment to community, spirituality, and a welcoming atmosphere. With intentional design choices, from the narthex to the chapel, this project contributes to an inclusive and comfortable environment, strengthening the church’s connection with its members and the broader downtown Madison community.

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Objective:

A Strategic Choice

The Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ partnered with Strang on a transformative journey aimed at renovating their 50-year-old building to align with their evolving programming needs. Recognizing that their current facility fell short of meeting both current and future requirements, the collaborative planning process centered on a comprehensive and purposeful renovation to meet the church’s needs now and for many years to come.

The Strang team collaborated with the church to create a range of design options. The church, in consultation with Strang, strategically opted for the option that specifically addressed the most important goals of creating a more welcoming experience while improving the infrastructure and function of the building and accommodating critical needs within the worship hall, focusing on improving functionality and enhancing the worship experience. The objective of this option was to tackle the shortage of space for musicians and choirs in the worship hall, address poor sightlines for viewing musicians and projected images, and facilitate a smoother and more convenient exit from the sanctuary.

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SOLUTION:

A Spectrum of Enhancements

The design solution curated by Strang encompassed a spectrum of enhancements to address the diverse needs of Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ. The envisioned transformation included:

  • Remodeled entry
  • Welcome space renovation
  • New restrooms and showers
  • Transformed Friendship (Fellowship) Hall
  • Updated office and classroom wing finishes
  • Roofing, exterior wall repair, and window replacement
  • Landscape improvement
  • Electrical and fire alarm updates
  • Energy-efficient mechanical system upgrades
  • Add solar water heating system
  • Office and Classroom reconfigurations
  • Expansion of Worship Hall Seating
  • Larger, more flexible Chancel with new window
  • Improved Worship Hall Sightlines
  • Upgraded Finishes throughout Facility
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Significant Transformation

The strategic choice to embark on this significant transformation resulted in notable gains for Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ. The Entry and Reception were improved with intuitive wayfinding and sightlines improved from Reception to the Entry and improved flow. An “enfilade” was created through the 3 main community spaces: The Friendship (Fellowship) Hall, the Crossing (Narthex), and the Worship Hall. By replacing solid walls with floor-to-ceiling glass, space and light flow right through the building. The uninspiring existing Friendship (Fellowship) Hall was enlivened by the rhythm of plywood planes creating a vaulted space. A Labyrinth in the floor and new windows graced by relocated stained glass that draw in light and color complete the transformation of the mundane into the transcendent. The Worship Hall was transformed by opening up the Chancel with views to the outside. A transcendent worship space was created by introducing daylight and a connection to the outdoors, where the congregation experiences the changes of the seasons all year round.

The result was the creation of a welcoming space where we experience hospitality, conversation mutuality, and abundance.

Mount Zion Baptist Church

Objective:

Strengthened Community

Fueled by an active congregation and visionary pastoral staff, Mt. Zion Baptist Church embarked on a mission to strengthen its community presence. Committed to expanding both worship capacity and outreach programs, the church engaged Strang for a 30,000 SF expansion project. Later, Mt. Zion Church again sought our expertise in crafting a 40,000 SF Family Life Center, seeking to further enhance its outreach initiatives.

SOLUTION:

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Phase One: The initial phase involved a 15,000 SF addition to the existing church, featuring a 500-seat worship space, a welcoming narthex, administrative offices, lower-level classrooms, a versatile multi-purpose room, and a dedicated music room. The resulting design helps bolster Mt. Zion’s inclusive and engaging worship experience providing the perfect venue for the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, one of Madison’s most beloved choral ensembles.

Mt. Zion Family Life Center

Phase Two: The second phase of our collaboration involved the elevation of the existing church and the construction of the new 40,000 SF Family Life Center.

Positioned in the vibrant south Madison neighborhood, this dynamic hub for social, youth, and athletic activities boasts a wide range of spaces, including a full-size basketball court, indoor running track, weight and exercise room, locker rooms with showers, wellness center, performance stage, seating areas, classrooms, food pantry, library, youth center, book club space, computer lab, and administrative offices.

In essence, both projects reflect Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s commitment to not only meet the spiritual needs of their congregation but also provide spaces that contribute to the holistic well-being of the wider community. Our multifaceted design not only enhances community engagement, personal development, and positive outreach but also strengthens the church’s impact on its members and the local community.

Door Creek Church

Awards

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

Wisconsin Projects of Distinction - Gold Award
2014

Awards

Wisconsin Masonry Alliance

Excellence in Masonry Award

Objective:

Community, Culture & Spirituality

Strang has collaborated with Door Creek Church over the past two decades to envision and steward their 32-acre campus. We began with a master plan for the entire site with the goal of creating a long-term vision to accommodate the growth of this vibrant congregation. Over the years, we have worked with the church to implement this long-term vision to support their mission, beginning with a 50,000 square foot Phase 1 followed by a 50,000 square foot facility, followed by a 38,000 square foot expansion. The overall goal for our collaboration with Door Creek Church has been to co-create a welcoming place that is both spiritually transcendent and culturally relevant.

SOLUTION:

Phase 1

The initial facility includes a large atrium that served as a central gathering hub and a flexible, multi-purpose worship space that accommodates 750 to 800 people. The lower level includes offices, children’s ministry space, and a flexible quad of four contiguous spaces, which provide educational and meeting areas with state-of-the-art projection booths, stages, and lighting.

Phase 2

The Door Creek Church congregation had outgrown its original facility and needed to transform its campus to respond to its ministry needs. This project involves the addition of a new atrium with a cafe, a variety of seating areas, a Fireside Room, a 300-seat Chapel, and a lower level containing new classrooms, meeting spaces, and a Youth Large Group Venue. The existing facility was remodeled extensively, transforming the Atrium, Auditorium, Library, and Children’s Ministry area.

Atrium: A Place for Community

The new skylit Atrium provides a welcoming front door to the facility, with a Welcome Center and a variety of seating areas for people to sit and fellowship over a cup of coffee. The Atrium is thoughtfully designed to balance community and privacy, with a higher middle space flanked by more intimate spaces with lower ceilings that provide comfortable spaces for people to meet and fellowship over a cup of coffee. An arched stone fireplace at the west end of the atrium provides a focal point to the space while helping provide definition and privacy to the Fireside Room without the use of doors.

Chapel: A Transcendent Place

The creation of the 300-seat Chapel was in response to the congregation’s need for a worship space for their traditional service, as well as a venue for weddings and funerals. The form and massing of the Chapel reflect that of the existing facility and elevate it to a more transcendent level. Deep overhangs pick up on roof forms of the existing facility and provide diffuse cool daylight into the chapel. The Chapel is intentionally designed to be the focal point of the Door Creek Church campus and the anchor of the overall massing and composition of the building.

The use of clear Birch plywood clouds, exposed structural beams, and curved knee braces that animate the ceiling plane was an economical design strategy, turning the need for frugality into an aesthetic virtue. The excellent acoustics, daylight streaming through three levels of windows, and views out to the landscape come together to create a truly transcendent space.

A Seamless Transition

The existing building has been remodeled extensively, transforming it so that there is a seamless and imperceptible transition between new and old. A number of congregants continue to say that they cannot determine where the original front door used to be, and where the old leaves off and the new begins. The new finishes and trim have been integrated into the public spaces of the existing facility and a new, light filled cafe has been created at the south end of the existing atrium. In the words of Lead Pastor Marc Maillefer, “We did not just gain 38,000 square feet of additional space, we now have a brand new 87,000 square foot facility.”

SHINE Technologies

OBJECTIVE:

Isotope Innovation

SHINE Technologies encountered several challenges in the development and commercialization of their fusion technology for medical isotope production, particularly lutetium-177 (Lu-177). There was a need to establish a facility capable of meeting the increasing demand for medical isotopes, specifically Lu-177, used in targeted cancer therapies. The initial annual production capacity needed to be achieved with plans for potential expansion.

Given the nature of the production involving radioactive materials, ensuring safety standards and implementing advanced technology for handling these materials were critical. The facility had to integrate cutting-edge safety measures to protect both workers and the surrounding environment.

SHINE aimed to be the first vertically integrated supplier of Lu-177, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and a comprehensive approach to ensure the seamless production and supply of the medical isotope. The company had aspirations beyond medical isotope production, planning to extend fusion technology to address energy challenges by recycling nuclear waste. This required a phased approach and strategic design to harness fusion power for clean and abundant energy.

SOLUTION:

Holistic Solutions

Strang’s expertise in architectural and engineering design played a pivotal role in addressing and resolving the challenges highlighted earlier. Leading the way, Strang successfully tackled various issues within the recently completed facility, aligning it with cGMP protocols, utility requirements, and downstream staging of radioactive waste. Our team implemented numerous adjustments to optimize the production facility specifically for medical isotope development.

The facility’s enhancements were strategically focused on ensuring compliance with cGMP standards, prioritizing the safety of the staff, and safeguarding the integrity of the product. Notable improvements included the integration of redundant utilities, such as air handling systems, and the incorporation of ‘long and short’ term decay storage rooms.

Given the intricate nature of radio medicine production, the project necessitated the meticulous development of process flow diagrams. Engaging in detailed discussions, the project team identified additional areas within the facility requiring modifications. These changes were instrumental in enhancing overall safety, operational efficiency, and product protection.

Summit Credit Union Mt. Horeb

Summit Credit Union Mt Horeb
Summit Credit Union Mt Horeb interior

Awards

InBusiness Commercial Design Awards

Best New Development or Renovation – Retail

2020

Awards

American Society of Interior Design (ASID)

Silver: Contract Retail/Showroom

2020

Objective:

A Community Beacon

Summit Credit Union sought to design their newest branch in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin as a beacon of the community. The design of the project was a result of Strang’s facilitation of a successful collaboration between Summit Credit Union and the Village of Mount Horeb. Summit’s goal was for a contemporary design with dynamic trapezoidal shapes and single sloped roof forms with sloping eaves, while the Village of Mount Horeb had design covenants that required traditional gable roof forms. The resulting design captures both these goals with a design covenant-compliant gable roof, but with a creative twist: the gable roof is trapezoidal, creating a dynamic sloping eave that captures Summit’s modern, dynamic brand.

SOLUTION:

Site Setting

The Village of Mount Horeb Plan Commission required the building to front onto its public street frontage on Springdale Street (Highway ID), with parking located away from the street. This branch was designed with a welcoming street façade on the north and a main entrance and parking lot on the South in response to the fact that the site has two “fronts” and no “back”. The dynamic trapezoidal forms of the glazed curtainwall, brick fin and roof overhangs reach out to the community on Springdale Street.

In regard to design and the addition of a positive economic driver like Summit Credit Union, the Mount Horeb branch adds a valuable asset to the community, while still expressing their unique culture and vision. The building reaches out to its context, projecting an image of openness and transparency. In the months that the branch has been operational, the facility has quickly established itself as a well-known landmark in the Mount Horeb community and a catalyst for its growing East-Side Commercial District.

The design of this branch was a result of a thoughtful months-long collaborative effort between Summit Credit Union (owner), Strang (architect/interior designer/engineer) and Findorff (general contractor), to create an efficient, cost-effective branch prototype that expresses Summit’s brand while accommodating all their functional needs.

360 degree photo walk through

Modern Financial Design

The design of this branch is the result of rethinking the notion of the “traditional” financial institution, instead creating openness and transparency with forward-looking architecture. The material palette of shimmering manganese iron spot brick and silver metallic metal juxtaposed with splashes of bright color create a contemporary, energetic feel. A colorful and light-filled interior creates an informal and welcoming atmosphere for the branch.

Comfortable, informal seating areas and dynamic displays animate the space. In lieu of a traditional teller line, open and inviting “teller pods” help facilitate casual and friendly interactions between Summit members and staff. The design carefully balances a feeling of openness and informality, while adhering to the strict security needs of a financial institution. The facility also provides comfortable meeting spaces with varying degrees of privacy. A unique branch feature is the provision of transparent offices and meeting spaces with glass sliding doors, patterned glazing, and colorful, comfortable furniture.

Summit Credit Union Mt Horeb interior

Summit’s new building will support 11 Summit Credit Union Staff members and upwards of 200 members on any given day. Their reach into the Mount Horeb community is not as easily measured. With this branch, Summit Credit Union has successfully added a modern financial institution into the fabric of the Mount Horeb community while able to express their company’s unique mission and culture.

National Guardian Life Headquarters

Awards

ASID Wisconsin

Silver Design Award – Office/Corporate 21,000 to 49,000 SF
2023

Inbusiness Business Commercial Design Awards

Best Renovation – Office
2023

OBJECTIVE:

Reimagining the Workplace

Strang’s recent partnership with National Guardian Life Insurance (NGL), encapsulates our forward-thinking design approach. Recognizing early on that a post-COVID workplace would look very different from their current workplace, NGL began working with Strang to start reimagining their workplace.

NGL sought to create a workplace that would foster collaboration and connection for both clients and team members. The goal was to expand work options and offer a balance between in-office and off-site connectivity, mobility, and collaboration. This resulted in a master plan that offered an optimized and flexible work environment that is accommodating of current operations while remaining laser-focused on the future.

SOLUTION:

Priority Planning

Before designing a space, the first step is to listen to its users. Strang started our work on this project with an extensive review process including the creation of a Departmental & Priorities Survey for all employees. The primary central theme that was extracted was flexibility. NGL staff were enjoying the freedom of working from home and wanted to maintain a certain level of flexibility after the pandemic to continue working from home a few days a week.

Next, we focused on benchmarking, assessment, and analysis of both future space needs and the existing facilities. Facility assessments were conducted that resulted in recommendations for overall accessibility, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and life safety needs. Departmental spatial needs and headcount projections were used to calculate optimized required floor area projections and address facility space inefficiencies. Facility assessments and space analysis helped define an environment for NGL that would remain comfortable, accessible, and safe for all employees.

The final master plan considered the feedback of both employees and departmental stakeholders. The resulting aesthetic of the building was a professional modern design with clean and simple details. Spaces were well-defined; often using ceiling elements as visual separation cues. Color tones and finishes were warm in nature. Our initial, careful observations led to the design of increased collaboration spaces and an optimized floor plan. With NGL’s collaborative spirit and Strang’s forward-focused approach, this project was representative of the future standard of workplace design.

National Guardian Life Headquarters

Natural Design

The project utilized high-performance, desiccant dehumidification and steam humidification systems for critical environmental controls. Premium efficiency, air-cooled chillers allowed for high performance lab cooling. Air-side energy recovery was applied where code-required and expanded where appropriate. The project evaluated the cost/benefit of variable volume fume exhaust systems and ductless fume hoods, with a final determination that VAV fume exhaust would result in favorable financial payback and energy savings, along with certain favorable applications for ductless systems. Additionally, air-side economizers were designed for spaces with significant cooling demands throughout the year.