South Carolina Ports Authority Headquarters
This distinctive four-story headquarters for the South Carolina Ports Authority prioritizes views and a strong connection to its Lowcountry site. Long-lasting, sustainable materials, a dynamic glass atrium wrapped by an accent wall, a tectonic column framing the entry, and human-scale detailing combine to create a form that is both grounded and progressive.
LOCATION Charleston, SC
COMPLETED 2019
SIZE 84,000 SF
SUSTAINABILITY LEED Platinum
PHOTOGRAPHER Matt Silk
AWARDS 2021 IIDA Carolinas DesignWorks, Winner Flooring Installation
Rooted in Place
The design draws from Lowcountry building traditions and craftsmanship through ingrained, overlaid vertical proportions and a carefully balanced palette of contrasting materials. Transparency and visual connections to the surrounding landscape reinforce the relationship between the building and its coastal setting.
Connected & People Focused
An expansive atrium at the heart of the building brings together program elements and creates a light-filled interior experience. A monumental stair activates the space and supports employee wellness, while two rooftop terraces, executive suites with port and river views, administrative offices, a cafeteria, a patio with amphitheater seating, a reflecting pool, an event lawn, and onsite walking trails provide a variety of spaces for work, collaboration, and respite.
