Our Work

Polk City Concessions & Restrooms

Polk City Concessions & Restrooms

Location: Polk Cty, Iowa
Completion Date: July 25, 2011
Project Size: 1,236 sq. ft.
Abstract: Polk City needed a new concessions and restroom building for their sports complex located just outside of the city. RMH began work on the project with a preliminary budget and schematic floor plan which were developed by the City. Early in the project, it was determined that a concrete masonry building would best serve the long-term needs of the facility.

The new building serves a sports complex comprised of baseball, softball and soccer fields. Simple in form and execution, the facility incorporates burnished concrete block in earth tones on the exterior and interior. Men’s and women’s restrooms are designed for ease of maintenance and are served by a plumbing core between them that also houses utility functions.

The concessions area is also a simple space, with a stainless steel sink and countertop its only permanent fixtures.

Cahill Residence

Cahill Residence

Location: Nevada, Iowa
Completion Date: August 15, 2010
Project Size: 4,200 sq. ft.
Abstract: Construction of this new home in rural Nevada began early summer 2010. It was being built on the site where the families’ previous home was located. The sloping grade change behind the house provided a great opportunity to open up the downstairs with a walkout basement. This allowed both the basement and the first floor to share the great views to the northwest.

The first floor open concept plan incorporates a kitchen adjacent to a vaulted great room. Thegreat room is generously provided with exterior view and clerestory windows and features a floor to ceiing stone fireplace that is shared with the study/ library. The dining room is located across an open railing stairway that leads down to the lower level. Two bedrooms, a bathroom, a family room, a three season porch and a screened porch occupy this lower floor.

McFarland Clinic – North Ames

McFarland Clinic – North Ames

Location: Ames, Iowa
Completion Date: August 1, 2010
Project Size: 15,600 sq. ft.
Abstract: The 15,600 square foot Family Medicine Clinic for McFarland Clinic was completed in early August in Ames, Iowa. The building was designed to house the practices of six physicians, multiple physical therapists and sports medicine professionals and medical support staff.

General Clinic, Lab and Radiology spaces are contained on the first floor, while the clinic’s renowned sports medicine and physical therapy practice functions out of the lower level space.
A light well on the south side of the building is positioned to flood the lower level with natural light which creates a comfortable atmosphere for patients and staff.

Computer generated exterior and interior views of the planned facility helped facilitate discussion of the proposed design. Discussions on building form, exam room layout and reception desk design were reviewed quickly which helped keep the design schedule on track.

Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity Remodel

Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity Remodel

Location: Ames, Iowa
Completion Date: August 15, 2008
Project Size: 9,600 sq. ft.
Abstract: A master plan, prepared in 2006, provided the fraternity with a road map for work on all four floors of the house. When the master plan was completed, all areas of the house were provided with new nishes, lighting, and an automatic fire sprinkler system.

The existing main east entry portico was removed and a larger porch was added. On the interior, dark wood trim and wainscoting contrast with lightly painted walls and ceilings bring a refined ‘men’s club’ atmosphere to the new basement environment. Existing steel columns in the dining room were wrapped with a classical column treatment and tie into a beamed ceiling with new lighting. The central basement room’s failing concrete floor was replaced and the wood paneling was used to create a sophisticated recreation room for the members. New lighting was incorporated and an opening was created to the adjacent lounge area to visually open up the area. Work on the second phase began in May 2008. By fall, the first floor of the original house was complete.

Knapp Tedesco

Knapp Tedesco

Location: Ames, Iowa
Completion Date: January 23, 2008
Project Size: 5,000 sq. ft.
Abstract: This 5,000 square foot former bank and cosmetology school now houses the offices of a local insurance agency. As part of the renovation work, the interior space was completely gutted and new perimeter offices, restrooms, reception area, and sta support areas were created. The client sought to have a new, modernized look created for the main exterior facade along Grand Avenue, and to have as much natural light brought into the space as possible.

These project requirements were achieved through the use of a custom architectural daylighting system comprised of a feature canopy over the entry vestibule and a skylight unit over the reception area installed in the refurbished concrete wa e slab ceiling. The original wa e slab ceiling was cleaned, painted and set o by wood trim, wood ceiling panels and adjacent bulkhead. Existing exterior windows were modi ed and enlarged to maximize natural light into the space, and new windows were added to give the space a more connected feeling with the outside environment.

MMSC Cardiac Services Addition

MMSC Cardiac Services Addition

Location: Marshalltown, Iowa
Completion Date: November 15, 2007
Project Size: 11,800 sq. ft.
Abstract: First and Third floors of the Cardiac Services Addition provided additional medical office space for hospital physicians. Each floor consists of independent 6,000 square foot clinical spaces. These spaces provide waiting rooms, exam rooms, offices, lab and procedure rooms for 4 to 5 physicians. Both floors connect to existing hospital patient floors to allow easy access for physicians, while patient traffic is directed to a new entrance and covered drop off away from physician travel.

The south facing waiting and reception area allows for ample natural lighting and day lighting controls are incorporated to minimize the use of artificial light and conserve energy. Physician offices and exam rooms are also equipped with dual level lighting and automatic controls to maximize the use of natural daylight. The project participated in Alliant Energy’s new building design program and earned substantial rebates for the MMSC based on the energy efficient construction.

1st National Bank – Ankeny

1st National Bank – Ankeny

Location: Ankeny, Iowa
Completion Date: April 13, 2007
Project Size: 13,960 sq. ft.
Abstract: Working with the client’s desire to make a statement along a busy thoroughfare, the building incorporates the bank’s signature precast concrete material on the exterior. Natural finish aluminum framing and trim provide a clean accent to the building which provides cover at the east and west entrances with dramatic ‘floating’ canopies. Drive-up facilities include a commercial lane, two standard customer lanes, an ATM and provision for a future customer lane. A custom sign with message board was designed to harmonize with the building form and materials.

The interior banking lobby is open and spacious with walnut wood and aluminum column covers and indirect lighting. A curved teller desk addresses both east and west entrances and provides a welcoming face for customers.

First United Methodist Church – Nevada

First United Methodist Church – Nevada

Location: Nevada, IA
Completion Date: December 15, 2006
Project Size: 5,290 sq. ft.
Abstract: A Facility Assessment and Feasibility Study to address the efficiency
and effectiveness of church staff, accessibility for all, and plans for future growth, formed the beginning for this project. A new grade level main entrance and lobby were added with elevator access to the six di erent levels of the current building, along with a new church office space.

Enlarging the chancel space allowed seating to be moved and expanded, providing a 25% increase in seating within the existing sanctuary. The existing balcony was completely removed and rebuilt further back in the sanctuary to make the worship space feel more spacious. A new narthex allows for over ow seating. Three dimensional computer modeling was used to work out the connection to the existing education wing and communicate the design to the congregation.

A new electronic organ was installed and new speaker enclosures were constructed within the original pipe chambers.

Somerset Pharmacy

Somerset Pharmacy

Location: Ames, Iowa
Completion Date: June 15, 2006
Project Size: 2,500 sq. ft.
Abstract: This new retail pharmacy building incorporated a drive-through prescription window for customer convenience. A two-story interior allowed for the introduction of natural light deep into the sales area.

A copper colored metal roof coordinates with the natural hues of the brick exterior and limestone base. Traditional masonry detailing, lighting and canvas awnings blend into the existing Village character. Planning for the pharmacist’s work area included a robotic prescription dispensing system and isolated compounding area. Separate o ce and conference/break rooms were also included.

Aluminum clad wood windows, schoolhouse-type light xtures and oak trim were chosen to impart a traditional feel to the interior of the retail space. A wood paneled partial height wall de nes the mezzanine storage area which is accessed by an open stair with wood balusters and railing.

First State Bank – Parkersburg

First State Bank – Parkersburg

Location: Parkersburg, Iowa
Completion Date: April 30, 2005
Project Size: 7,400 sq. ft.
Abstract: This new bank facility is located just east of the former bank site. Situated on a site with over five hundred feet of highway frontage, the new 7,400 square foot building provides increased lobby, office and community room space.

In addition to providing two drive-up banking lanes and a drive-up ATM lane, the new building features a large central banking lobby with sloped ceilings and indirect lighting. Private offices border the lobby on the east and south with a board room to the west. A large community room has also been incorporated into the design.
Brick and local Iowa limestone were used on the exterior.

CONTACT US

RMH Architects would like to hear from you. Let us put our over three decades of experience with multiple project types to work for you. Whether you are thinking about a new corporate office building, restaurant, retail development, private residence, addition/remodeling, or just have a question that we might be able to answer, please contact us.