Blackhawk Headquarters

The ex-Navy Seal and founder of Blackhawk! Products Group, a leading U.S. manufacturer of tactical, military and law enforcement equipment, challenged the architect to create a look for his new headquarters building that would “reflect the strength and ruggedness of our products.”

The design for the 65,000 sq. ft. facility and winner of a 2008 AIA Award of Design Excellence certainly accomplished the mission.Located in Norfolk, VA, the $7.5 million project strategically utilized 4,800 sq. ft. of Citadel’s Envelope 2000® Rainscreen System panels finished in Bone White and Natural Copper.

The building reflects the roots of the company and its philosophy of integrity, quality and innovation. Design for the project was provided by HBA Architecture & Interior Design, Inc., Virginia Beach. The curved roof recalls the curvature of a parasail while the supporting structural struts mirror its shrouds. The buttresses impress upon the visitor the force of the company. According to architect of record David L. May, Jr., AIA, “I used the smoothness of the Citadel composite panels to add the appropriate textural contrast to the ruggedness of the Wisconsin ledge stone used for the two great buttresses that flank the building.

The panels also gave the right combination of tension and lightness to the symbolic parachute canopy to complete the language of the building exterior.”Citadel Natural Copper panels were used around the entrance to preview the extensive use of copper in the lobby reception area. Installation of the Citadel panels was done by Composite Wall Systems, Virginia Beach.