Q&A with Holly Street Studio team, designers of Heard Museum North

TerraMai’s reclaimed Wine Tank Redwood siding and paneling highlight the intimate yet sophisticated Heard Museum North in Scottsdale, AZ. The husband-and-wife team of Michael and Diane Jacobs – principals of Holly Street Studio Architects in Phoenix – pulled off a daunting design challenge with this project.

The museum facility itself is as compelling as any of the precious objects it houses, yet it doesn’t fight with them for attention. On the contrary, the design supports the collections and makes them the star of the show.

At the same time, the building offers its own engaging and rewarding experience.  Wood, tile, steel, glass, and other elements blend beautifully. Even small details, such as the drinking fountains, are meticulously thought out and executed, without being distracting or fussy. The reclaimed Wine Tank Redwood acts as a harmonizing element throughout the space, bringing all the varied elements together.

Michael and Diane visited TerraMai prior to uction to ensure the wine tank redwood they specified was exactly right for the project and to inspect TerraMai’s facility and the remilling process. Such close collaborations yield amazing results, as exemplified by the Heard North.