In just two years, Highlands Engineering and Surveying of Dickinson, North Dakota, had outgrown its current facilities. The company retained JLG Architects to design new office and shop facilities that would not only provide them with much-needed square footage, but a building brand to fit their entrepreneurial and energetic firm.
With the scale of the shop almost equal in massing to the office portion, the decision was made early on to embrace the simplicity and economy of a pre-engineered manufactured building – approaching the massing and detailing of the office building in the same way. Two simple shed roof forms were placed on the site to exploit solar orientation, minimize exposure to winter winds, mask the scale of the overall facility, and create a welcoming presence at the front door. Internally, the plan was arranged to maximize daylight, flexibility, collaboration, and efficiency. The exposed structure and modern detailing form a striking first and lasting impression – representative of Highlands’ mission to be a great place to do business and a great place to work.
