Red Bird Gift Co: High-Performance Adaptive Reuse & Retail HQ

Project Narrative

Stabilizing a "Frankenstein" Structure

This project presented one of the most complex challenges in adaptive reuse: a "Frankenstein" building that had been haphazardly expanded four times over several decades. The existing structure—formerly a run-down catering facility—concealed a chaotic history of mismatched construction techniques, including original T-plate decking hidden beneath a failed flat roof system, which previous owners had simply covered with trussed gable roofs to hide leaks.

David Stumpf Architecture led a comprehensive gut renovation, stripping the facility to an open shell to diagnose and unify the structural systems. This process was not just aesthetic; it was a forensic architectural intervention to ensure the building's longevity.

Building Science & The Thermal Envelope

To transform a leaky, energy-inefficient shell into a modern workspace, we implemented a rigorous continuous thermal envelope strategy. The retrofit involved wrapping the interior in 1.5-inch rigid foam, sealing all joints with spray foam to prevent air infiltration, and introducing an air gap with R-15 batt insulation. This assembly created a high-performance barrier that drastically reduced energy costs and isolated the interior from exterior noise—a critical requirement for a comfortable office environment.

Zoning for Workflow: Production vs. Retail

The programmatic challenge was transitioning an online-only business into a brick-and-mortar headquarters. The floor plan required strict acoustic and particulate separation between the "noise and dust" of the manufacturing workshop and the "quiet luxury" of the retail storefront.

We optimized the operational workflow from raw material intake to the final point of sale, ensuring efficiency for staff while curating a seamless journey for customers. Custom joinery and strategic lighting hierarchies further define the spaces, elevating the Red Bird brand from a digital storefront to a physical destination.