Elite Family Services provides critical behavioral health assistance to their clients through a variety of services. This includes professional therapy, education, life skill education, child care, and family support services.

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The project encompassed the adaptive reuse of an existing 30,000 sf retail box in Chandler, AZ. With a limited budget, 180 Degrees assisted with an intense programming exercise to define critical uses and space requirements to accommodate their services.

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To meet limited budgets, the team engaged in creative materials choices, repurposing of salvaged items, and creative planning with multipurpose and shared space.

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Salvaged Concrete Panel Component:

2023 AIA Arizona Component Design Award Winner

A component of the program required a new image for the façade of a rather mundane tilt-panel building and some allowance for sun mitigation into the eastern façade during the summer when activity in the space was high.  Our team suggested a floating façade of the 18 pre-cast panels allowing for a unique, budget conscious solution.  A solution that not only met programmatic needs but continued our effort to limit waste to landfills.  

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More specifically, the existing building as a typical tilt up was void of texture, character or identity.  Modifications to a tilt panel building would have proven costly, putting the reality for good architecture out of reach.  While the panels were opportunistic, the commitment and trust of the client to accept the suggestion of this textural component allowed the building to transform.

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The texture created, not only by the panel itself, but by the organization and spacing allowed for visibility through and around to the courtyard spaces and activity beyond.  During the summer months, when children flood the space, they are now able to utilize the shaded courtyard beyond the panels for gathering or activities.  In the evenings, when adult events are held, the unique textures and light spill reveal an active yet protective zone beyond.  
 

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