R obbins knew that in order for the building to achieve the sense of corporate identity HKS was after, the main entrance had to say it all. The right answer came to him only after he looked at one of the two buildings from a different angle. The problem was how to create a dramatic entry. The original entrance to the Breckenridge was directly off the street to the east of the site. We didn't like that.
Visitors drive up to the new entry and park in a European-style auto court.
The exterior of the building here combines brick, glass and ribbed metal sheeting, materials that naturally start a visitor's mind thinking about architecture. A metal wing wall defines the actual entrance to the building, and a line of full-story windows enclose an angular addition to the north side of the structure. This addition enlarges the reception area, brings in daylight and effectively enhances that first impression. Once inside, the message continues with the 1950's-style terrazzo floor, curving walls of glass, metal and wood, sloped ceiling planes that hover above the center of the space and exposed beams, ceiling grids and mechanical systems above that. Directly opposite the built-out window wall is the reception desk, a seemingly stretched object that combines the warmth of maple with the strength of steel.