COPPERSMITH BREWING
When a truck ran into the side of the small building that was going to house the new Coppersmith Brewing in Livonia, Michigan, significant damage and structural instability was caused, completely altering the construction that was about to begin. Requiring an entirely new design, Synecdoche joined the project with the opportunity to transform the small building into a beacon for the neighborhood.
The structural damage from the crash resulted in the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new one.
The team investigated development feasibility for potential new programming and layout for the brewery, since new construction triggered updated site plans to meet all current zoning requirements. Working with the city, Synecdoche received approval to move required parking to the back of the lot to incorporate a new outdoor beer garden and large front yard along the street.
At its core, this project is a revival of the walkable neighborhood corner store and community gathering space. The design is for the neighborhood, focusing on the human scale and putting walkability first in an area where the car is king.
Street facing storefront windows showcase production and brewing equipment This provides ample daylight with limited heat gain creating a stable atmosphere for brewing production in all seasons. The garage door for receiving and distribution connects to a front parking area that doubles as food truck parking during operation.
With the restricted interior footprint it was critical to expand the usable area of the project to the outdoor spaces and consider weather elements to ensure the small business can operate successfully in all seasons.
An accordion wall opens to connect the interior bar and seating to the outdoor beer garden, and shade is provided by a structured canopy of steel frame and wood slats which also supports utility infrastructure of rain awnings, heat lamps, and lighting for all seasons.
Communal tables, fireplaces, and trees fill the area for a casual neighborhood ambience. Intermittent accents on the exterior facade and the interior bar finish are copper to reference back the brewery namesake, after the owner’s family heritage of German coppersmiths.
