While most of our projects with BCA Architecture and Design are high-end custom homes, we took a detour to tackle this adaptive re-use project in the heart of the South Slope Brewing District in Asheville, NC. What is now a contemporary pizzeria serving up local ingredients with a focus on sustainability began as just a shell of the original 1920’s construction.

This sustainable mission began with construction, where an effort to keep much of the existing 2-story masonry walls and steel bowstring trusses made this project an exercise in thinking outside the box from the start. Through a series of slotted connections, over-sized holes, and hand-tightened bolts, our design team was able to thread the needle in detailing a new steel frame to brace the existing masonry from the inside without imparting new load. Our final design incorporated most of the original bowstring trusses, offering a rustic aesthetic for the diners below. In recognition of our innovative design solutions in overcoming these challenges, the project earned a second-place finish at the 2022 DVASE structural engineering awards.

The result was a two-story dining area with mid-height mezzanine, all beneath a partially covered rooftop bar. From the unique history and intriguing finished product to the one-of-a-kind design, this ambitious project was a pleasure to be a part of, no matter which way you slice it.

Tonewood Brewing is building a destination style micro-brewery in Barrington, NJ, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. Designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects, the plans call for the renovation of a 20,000 SF lumber yard built in the 1800’s, and a small addition to create a state-of-the-art brewery that features 30’ tall grain silos. While the facility gives them the capacity to significantly increase output, the 5,000 SF of retail space – split among an outdoor beer garden, takeaway counter, elevated observation mezzanine, and a sprawling tasting room – has been designed to immerse customers in the production process.

The new bar and tasting room addition has full height glass curtainwalls and a wood plank roof system supported by glulam joists and architecturally exposed steel girders, intended to reflect the construction in the main building. Reinforced concrete mat slabs were designed to support the various tanks, chillers, and canning equipment. Custom built-up steel channels and timber framing create a trellis type structure that’s featured at the new entrance and outdoor beer garden.

Our team is excited about the possibility of a road trip happy hour as soon as construction is complete!