In Their Own Words

Tarlton Corporation Headquarters

'Muddy Boots and Suits' under one roof

As a fast-growing general contractor and construction manager, Tarlton looked to Christner to create a new, environmentally responsible headquarters for its 50-person staff, adjacent to its service yard. With 40% of the firm's construction projects self-performed, many employees are routinely out in the field. So, the idea of a headquarters responsive to a 'muddy boots' workforce was critically important. The headquarters is designed to be approachable, sustainable, comfortable for workers from the field, and a showpiece of construction craftsmanship.

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Size: 21,000 sf
Status: Completed 2004
LEED Silver Certified, New Construction
Awards: 2004 Quality Concrete Award, Concrete Council of St. Louis

<p>We incorporated architectural concrete panels and soaring 20-foot windows along the north façade to create the 'sawtooth' building footprint. Tarlton was, of course, the constructor for their headquarters, and the detailed concrete work showcases Tarlton's strength in highly skilled construction techniques.</p>

We incorporated architectural concrete panels and soaring 20-foot windows along the north façade to create the 'sawtooth' building footprint. Tarlton was, of course, the constructor for their headquarters, and the detailed concrete work showcases Tarlton's strength in highly skilled construction techniques.

<p>The headquarters is truly a 'builders' building' - from the award winning concrete, to the masonry work using locally-produced brick, to the detailed design of the Douglas Fir entrance canopy.</p>

The headquarters is truly a 'builders' building' - from the award winning concrete, to the masonry work using locally-produced brick, to the detailed design of the Douglas Fir entrance canopy.

<p>Tarlton's commitment to sustainability, and comfort for clients and employees was integrated into the building design. For example, the reception desk is an I-beam finished with birch panels and a granite top (the stone was 'leftover' from another job).</p>

Tarlton's commitment to sustainability, and comfort for clients and employees was integrated into the building design. For example, the reception desk is an I-beam finished with birch panels and a granite top (the stone was 'leftover' from another job).

<p>We designed all major functions of the headquarters to revolve around the 'muddy boots' area. Workers from the office and from the field collaborate in a relaxed atmosphere.</p>

We designed all major functions of the headquarters to revolve around the 'muddy boots' area. Workers from the office and from the field collaborate in a relaxed atmosphere.

<p>The bright lunchroom, adjacent to an outdoor patio, is also used for staff training and client presentations. Flooded with daylight, it was designed to take advantage of the 20' windows that help to reduce building lighting and cooling demands.</p>

The bright lunchroom, adjacent to an outdoor patio, is also used for staff training and client presentations. Flooded with daylight, it was designed to take advantage of the 20' windows that help to reduce building lighting and cooling demands.

<p>Tarlton wanted to incorporate family-friendly spaces into the design, including the children's playroom. Bicycle racks and showers let employees ride their bike to work or take a spin through nearby Forest Park at lunchtime.</p>

Tarlton wanted to incorporate family-friendly spaces into the design, including the children's playroom. Bicycle racks and showers let employees ride their bike to work or take a spin through nearby Forest Park at lunchtime.