Lake Wylie Christian Assembly Youth Center "The Garage"
8,000 sqft youth center

The client wanted the design of the youth center to reflect the aesthetic of a garage. The resulting interior finishes are stained concrete floors, corrugated metal siding, exposed steel columns and ceiling grids open to exposed mechanical systems. In addition to the industrial finishes, elements were taken from the precedent of 1950s and 1960s service station design, i.e. the large garage door, angled glazing, round column sections, graphic signage, and a structurally articulated steel canopy. The flat front elevation of the typical metal building has been relieved by 3 protruding elements; the entry, a window seat at the office, and a window for the bathroom. The generally poor character of EIFS is used to an advantage as a method of enhancing the elevation through the ease of creating surface modulations, jointing, and wide color range. The spaces include a public area with a coffee shop, indoor and outdoor seating, and display areas, an office, auditorium, prayer room, and a mezzanine with video games, flat screen tvs, pool tables, and recreational gaming tables.