This LEED Gold-certified building was designed to complement its natural surroundings, so the structural design had to provide the best solutions while following the natural aesthetic of the architect's design.

Sunset Drive uses exposed steel and heavy timber framing in the center section of the building. In order to keep costs down, the curves and architectural features are focused in the center while the two wings on either side sport a more economical design. By using the repetitive cost-effective bays in the building's wings, we were able to create a nice design with less expense. The bays use large column spacing which allows or flexible space planning in the interior. Our design team worked with the steel fabricator to design the most efficient and cost-effective connections for the steel elements to speed the schedule and cut fabrication costs.

The biggest contribution SEA can make to this flexible environment is to provide a balance between the long free spans that create the open spaces and the shallow structure depth that allows for the penetration of more natural light into the building. By creating this balance we can create a building that is both appealing and economical.

A FEMA storm shelter is another component of Sunset Drive. This shelter was designed in accordance with FEMA 361 guidelines.