ENO, the internationally popular, Asheville-based hammock + outdoors company (fun fact: the abbreviation stands for Eagles Nest Outfitters), had outgrown their South Slope HQ when they approached Samsel Architects, an award-winning Asheville-based architecture firm, to design a modern office renovation for their newly purchased building off Sweeten Creek.
The building was large enough for their growing team, but it was bland, dark + underwhelming. It also had water damage, low ceilings and a maze of office partitions and outdated finishes from the ‘80s. But Samsel recognized the building’s good bones and all the potential to transform the space into a modern, light, fun + calming office – with, of course, a connection to the outdoors and relaxation. 🏕️(Side note: Where’s the hammock emoji?)
Here are the renovations Samsel completed over the course of the two-year project:
- Stripped the building down to the original steel structure + exterior brick walls
- Removed several walls to create large glass openings (bringing light + views into the main conference room, entry + breakroom)
- Added skylights in the open office spaces (bringing daylight deep into the building)
- Incorporated natural materials (like large planters and accents of maple, oak + bark siding) while maintaining clean, modern lines
- Constructed different types of spaces for different workflows (closed offices for focus; open spaces + meeting rooms for collaboration)
- Created outdoor spaces that reflect the company’s outdoor values, including a “Zen Patio” off the break room that serves as a quiet + protected space in the middle of an industrial park.
See ENO’s office building before renovations:
And see it now, after an extensive remodel led by Samsel Architects:
See the full details + more photos of the renovation, completed with the help of ENO, landscape architect Drake Fowler, Tony Kinch with All Seasons Landscaping, and contractor Casey Carmichael of Heritage Restoration. Ⓟ
