CMA Subaru

Feb 18
1 min read

Updated: Mar 17

[Commercial/Automotive]

Subaru approached us, in collaboration with KEE Construction, to design a new maintenance building using PEMB (pre-engineered metal buildings) for their growing service needs.

Silver warehouse with cars parked in front under a clear blue sky. Autumn trees with orange leaves and a truck in the background.

After establishing the optimal size and workflow for the interior, we turned our attention to the exterior—a critical consideration given the site's location within Winchester's Corridor Enhancement overlay district.

Working within these zoning requirements, we made strategic decisions that transformed what could have been a utilitarian structure into a thoughtful addition to the streetscape. Rather than placing the large metal building prominently along the street as initially proposed, we sited it toward the rear of the property. We then employed subtle but effective design moves to add visual interest: standing the siding off the building face to create dimensional depth, alternating siding direction to vary texture, and incorporating windows throughout.

These windows proved to be the most impactful design choice. The natural daylighting they provide has resonated strongly with the building's users—service technicians consistently cite the improved lighting in the service bays as their favorite feature of this bright, spacious workspace. The result is a facility that the entire CMA team can take pride in.