Nautilus moves to Columbia Tech Center

Sierra Construction recently completed the new 51,800-square-foot headquarters for exercise equipment company Nautilus at 17750 S.E. Sixth Way in Vancouver. The building is within Columbia Tech Center, a 412-acre mixed-use development north of state Route 14 and east of Interstate 205.

Nautilus’ single-story office building was made with concrete tilt-up panels and floor-to-ceiling windows. Its entry has a large wood beam with five bands of reclaimed timber that represent the core values of the company: collaboration, innovation, drive, focus and accountability. The edge cut on the beam pays homage to Nautilus’ relationship with its Asian manufacturers. The beam is supported by two columns with 12 bands, which represent the year 2012.

Two volcanic rock stones in front represent the company’s business channels: retail and direct. The main doors are cut from Douglas fir, symbolic of Washington being the Evergreen State.

A combination of open-to-structure acoustic ceiling tile and gypsum wallboard soffits were used to visually separate the company’s departments, without walls, and maximize natural light inside. Italian tile can be found throughout the lobby, restroom and showroom area.

There also is a fitness center for employees that can be accessed through a separate secure entrance. A courtyard in back is used for social gatherings.

Columbia Tech Center LLC is the owner, with Nautilus as the tenant. Group Mackenzie was the site and shell architect and TVA Architects designed tenant improvements.

Subcontractors were Cherry City Electric, Hydro-Temp Mechanical (HVAC and plumbing), Rotschy Inc. (earthwork and utilities), EM3 (sidewalk and curb), Elkhorn Landscaping, Pacific Roofing and WB Painting.

Sierra’s team was led by senior account manager John Barnes, project engineer Sam McVey and superintendent Dan Windon.