Oaks on Grand – West Des Moines, IA
Exterior Cladding:
STRAW – FSC®-Certified Abodo® Wood
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC®-Certified: FSC® Mix Credit
Clear Vertical Grain (CVG)
1-Coat Finishing On All 4 Sides, 2nd Coat Applied On Site
Solid +/- 3/4” Thick x +/- 5-3/8” Wide x 6′-16′
Tongue & Groove (T&G)
Interior Cladding:
CUSTOM – FSC®-Certified Abodo® Wood
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC®-Certified: FSC® Mix Credit
CVG
Fine Sawn Face, Sealed Face Only
Solid +/- 3/4” Thick x +/- 5-3/8” Wide x 6′-16′
T&G
Oaks on Grand is a multi-tenant office campus located on an 11-acre site in suburban West Des Moines, IA. Envisioned around an existing pond shared with an adjacent community college, the campus design by Substance Architecture maximizes space utilization while maintaining visual appeal and functionality. Three office buildings are oriented around the pond, with landscaped areas and paved walking trails linking the structures and connecting them to the broader development. The thoughtful selection of materials and natural features, including native plantings and use of Abodo Vulcan cladding, highlights the team’s commitment to environmental stewardship. These elements enhance the site’s aesthetics and support the well being of its users and the broader ecosystem.
Oaks on Grand features STRAW and CUSTOM Abodo Vulcan Cladding by reSAWN TIMBER co. on the interior and exterior. The exterior cladding is treated with Abodo Protector Oil, a cutting-edge waterborne formula that blends refined plant oils, UV protection, and advanced water repellency. The fine-sawn texture creates a unique, dimensional surface with rich grain depth. This finish opens the wood grain, ensuring optimal coating performance and preserving its aesthetic appeal for years to come.
Project Needs: Substance Architecture sought a low-maintenance, high-quality blonde-toned material that would provide a seamless transition between the building’s exterior and interior. Balancing quality with budget constraints, they turned to reSAWN TIMBER co. for the ideal solution.
Project Solutions: The clients received hand samples of various species from reSAWN and participated in virtual presentations with a specification consultant to gain comprehensive product knowledge. STRAW and CUSTOM Abodo were chosen for its light tones and cost-effectiveness, facilitating a smooth and efficient construction process.
Project Results: The architect is pleased with how the material met all design expectations and continues to consider us for new projects. We look forward to what’s next in our collaboration.
Substance Architecture is dedicated to transforming functionality into beauty by leveraging diverse expertise to tackle complex design challenges. The firm works closely with clients to create spaces that go beyond basic utility, capturing a profound sense of place and purpose.
Corey Gaffer is an architectural photographer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He spends ample time on-site, constructing the perfect images to meet clients’ needs. By considering every detail, he ensures that he never delivers an image that is not useful. Corey’s ultimate goal as an architectural photographer is to create timeless images that set his clients apart from their competitors for years to come.
