HUDSON STUDIOS
Hudson Studios sits on a hillside lot in a busy corner of downtown Bellingham, which had limited access for construction. There was a short window of opportunity to build the walls, with a neighboring building perched above at a higher grade. Fox Blocks allowed the builders to move quickly and create a comfortable building platform to accommodate the structural requirements of the site. As construction progressed onto the second story of the 85-year-old brick building, it had to be anchored – and Fox Blocks were more than strong enough for the task.
The design intent of this project was to surround an 85-year-old brick building with a contemporary new addition, nestling the historic structure into new construction like a fossilized element of the small Washington-state city from nearly a century ago. Fox Blocks ensured this was achieved efficiently and effectively.
Fox Blocks ICF has incredible insulating and sound-deadening properties, allowing each creative artist to work as needed, without excess noise disturbing the neighbors in a nearby studio. Hudson Studios’s energy-efficiency primarily comes from the insulated Fox Blocks, which is enhanced by the studio’s placement within the hillside. The 12-inch ICF walls help keep the building at a comfortable temperature, even on the hottest days of summer. Additionally, less energy is needed to operate the heating and cooling of the studio, which saves expenses.
Location: Bellingham, Washington
Industry: Light Commercial
Size: 9,000 sq. feet
ICF Use: 14,684 sq. feet
Cost: $2,500,000
Total Construction: 130 weeks
ICF Installation Time: 60 days
Contractor: Rob Bell, JKG Construction
ICF Installer: Rob Bell, Scott Bell, and Chris Bell, JKG Construction
Architect: Kerry Garrett
Forms Used: 12-inch compact and 8-inch corner blocks
