Entry number: B07075        
Project Name: Maize
Location:  Aliante Parkway, N. Las Vegas
Building Type: Restaurant
Completion Date: October,  2006
Architect:  Carpenter Sellers Associates


Sustainable Description

Narrative/Project Description:
This neighborhood tavern located in the master planned community of Aliante in North Las Vegas was designed to feel as if it belongs in the desert; the design intent was to mimic the traditional building techniques of early settlers and create a building that feels like it rose from the earth and had been made of forms indigenous to the surrounding area.

Materials such as steel, glass and concrete compliment the simple, earthy design. A board formed concrete box is accented with weathering steel canopies and details that provide shadow, signage and entrance to the tavern. The weathering steel will also deliberately stain the concrete of the building. The use of weathering steel was to accentuate the idea that the building rose from the earth and will one day return to it. All of the steel on the project was to accentuate the idea that the building rose from the earth and will one day return to it. All of the steel on the project was treated and bead blasted to cause it to weather. The walkway to the entrance has 10’ – 15’ metal rebar scattered throughout the landscaping to create and abstract desert “field” designed to mimic maize, or corn stalks, as one enters the building. This sculptural element compliments the building and desert landscape.

The interior is designed around a circular bar layout based on the Native American word Hogan. A Hogan is a watering hole and the materials and forms metaphorically represent it. The concept contributes to the indigenous ideas about the building. The steel in the interior is designed to feel as if the structure was erected on instinct and bracings were provided as required. Perimeter seating around the bar plays up its importance in the structure and provides a way to break up the space and create smaller nooks for dining.

Sustainability Description:
The design approach to this project was to create a building that “was of this place”. To that end a simplistic desert was explored that would give the appearance that it would one day weather and return to the earth that incorporated local materials and materials with high recycled content. Some examples of this follow. The design utilizes Paralam Parallel Strand Lumber for all beams. These are made of thin veneer strands of wood that would be considered waste in the manufacturing of other veneer products. Steel with high recycled content is used for structural columns and interior and exterior design elements. The building envelope is heavily insulated and includes blown in cellulose insulation. The result is a building envelope that is 45% better than what is required by the IECC. The tables within the space are made from Kirei wood, which is manufactured from reclaimed agricultural fiber from the Sorghum plant. The stalks of this plant are usually burned or thrown in landfills after harvest. By using them in the production of Kirei Board this material is removed from the waste stream. The glass tiles in the restroom are manufactured from post-consumer recycled bottles. The building is illuminated by a balanced level of daylight during the day and has a dimming system to create the appropriate levels of lighting throughout the day and night and reduce energy consumption and extend lamp life. In all, the building is provided with a level of sustainable design not typically provided in taverns.