When designing the new Devon Yard in Chester County, Pennsylvania, NewStudio Architecture was faced with a seemingly impossible task. They needed to create a "light and airy greenhouse feel" for occupants, while meeting strict local energy codes. NewStudio was concepting more than just a typical shopping mall — Devon Yard is Anthropologie's first ever "lifestyle center," built near its original 1992 retail store.
Incorporating local materials, including Pennsylvania field stone and reclaimed barnwood, was important to the brand known for its homey and rustic, modern farmhouse decor. But, architect Erin Grammas, NewStudio Architecture, St. Paul, knew she couldn't exclusively use a standing-seam, metal barn roof for the project.
"We originally looked at single-ply corrugated poly, but quickly realized that wasn't going to meet any energy codes, and traditional, corrugated roofing for a green yard wouldn't work here either. Occupants would get really uncomfortable, really fast," said architect Erin Grammas. Luckily, NewStudio had partnered with Kingspan Light + Air on previous projects when they needed to meet energy codes, so Grammas knew who to call.