Inspired by light industrial, the massing at Geerhouse takes it’s form as a playful interpretation of the shipping container. Not only a nod to the industries that allowed Durham to thrive, this modular massing approach is also pragmatic and efficient in it’s maximization of space. For a more dynamic expression, the facade is pushed and pulled in and out to create movement and mimic the movement of the industry. The result is a variety of profiles that conceal exactly where the interior units start and end.

The Geerhouse site directly abuts two landmark structures which were carefully considered when designing the building’s form. With these two corners activated both day and night and local crowds looking to gather outdoors and enjoy local events, Geerhouse needed to “step back” and allow these beloved gems to remain anchored at the street. The massing accomplished this by standing as a backdrop, the push and pull of units allowing residents to look down and see the happenings. At the northwest corner, a void is carved by an inner courtyard with views down to the cafe and street scape.

The exterior of the building uses three primary materials: brick, corrugated metal panel, and fiber cement siding. The black corrugated panels are a reinterpretation of the historic black steel structures found in many of the industrial buildings around the city.Residents are always visually connected to the exterior spaces that make Durham so special.