A retail space was selected in the ideal location, near downtown in the Marquette neighborhood. Though modest in size, this 'white box' presented a great deal of potential with its generous interior day lighting and continuous connection to the outdoors via an intimate adjacent seating terrace.
Inspired by an environmentally-minded business plan, the design of the space took a minimalist approach, emphasizing extreme simplification of form and color. We focused on environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo flooring, a rapidly renewable grass that is denser than most hardwoods and FSC certified pine from well-managed forests for the wood feature wall. We collaborated with FullCircle Furniture to build tables and benches from birch doors that were salvaged from the Meriter Hospital deconstruction. The fluorescent light fixtures were selected in order to reduce energy needs.
These are just a few of the prominent design features, for more detailed information regarding the materials and furniture specified refer to the list below:
Bamboo Floors
Teragren: Signature Colors. www.teragren.com
Custom Suspended Display Boxes
3Form: EcoResin. www.3-form.com/materials-ecoresin.php
No-VOC Paint
Sherwin Williams: Harmony. www.sherwin.com
Wood Feature Wall
FSC Certified Wood: Clear Pine. www.fsc.org
Recycled Content Countertops
Squak Mountain Stone. www.tmi-online.com
Wood Tables and Benches
FullCircle Furniture: Salvaged Birch Doors. www.madisonenvironmental.com
Orange Chairs
Ikea: Urban Chair. www.ikea.com
Outdoor Tables
Design Within Reach: Inox Table. www.dwr.com
Designer Bio. Mary Bolger IIDA, LEEP AP
A registered Interior Designer, and currently employed at the largest architectural firm in Wisconsin. Graduated with a BFA in Interior Architecture, after practicing Interior Design for 5 years decided to expand her knowledge base and sit for the Architectural Record Exams. After obtaining a license in architecture she plans to focus on interior architecture. Her passion has always been designing sophisticated, beautiful spaces with minimal impact on the environment. Mary was one of the first LEED accredited Interior Designers in the state of Wisconsin and feels that it is essential for all designers to build eco-responsible spaces.
Megan Ramey (owner) and Mary have been best friends for over 5 years in Madison. Collaborating with Megan on her first business venture was a rewarding experience. Mary hopes to continue helping local business entrepreneurs realize their dreams into a physical space.
If you have further questions regarding the design of MoCo please do not hesitate to email the designer: mbolger@care2.com