Bicycle Haüs is a Gleaming Green Mecca for Cycling Enthusiasts

Phoenix-based <a href="http://debartoloarchitects.com" target="_blank">Debartolo Architects</a> just completed work on the incredible <a href="http://bicyclehaus.com/">Bicycle Haüs</a> in Scottsdale, Arizona. The 5,000 square foot bike retail shop is perhaps best described as the city's new mecca for professional and amateur cyclists. Although the gleaming corrugated metal siding gives the building its sleek modern look, it's just one of many resilient materials chosen for their ability to weather the arid desert environment.

Along with the metal cladding, the architects used sheets of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/man-builds-cozy-tin-can-cabin-out-of-shipping-containers-in-northern-wisconsin/" target="_blank">galvanized metal</a> and low-e insulated glass windows and doors to insulate the building from the oppressive Arizona heat.

The recently re-located bike shop is a two-story wedge structure that uses a combination of resilient materials, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-power/" target="_blank">solar power</a> and strategic window placement to conserve energy.

On the interior, large window panes on the north facade provide optimal amounts of indirect natural light, giving the expansive interior a luminous, healthy atmosphere.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/vermont-studio-woods-beautiful-reclaimed-bench-takes-inspiration-from-wood-and-steel-bridges/" target="_blank">Reclaimed barn wood</a> covers one entire wall, and the stairs leading up to the second level are re-purposed former high-school bleachers.

For interior building materials, the owners and architects focused on finding and using <a href="http://inhabitat.com/we-talk-with-tracen-gardner-of-reclaimed-space-about-prefab-building-salvaging-materials/" target="_blank">repurposed materials</a> as much as possible. As luck would have it, not only were they able to use a few repurposed materials on the interior, but one in particular came with a personal connection.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sweeping-alcala-da-guadaria-stadium-blends-in-with-the-landscape/" target="_blank">bleachers</a> actually came from Missoula, Montana - the hometown of co-owners and high school sweethearts Shasta and Kale Keltz.

Bicycle Haüs was founded in 2004 and has since become very popular for its expansive inventory as well as the inviting atmosphere found inside the shop.

The new building also includes a comfortable covered <a href="http://inhabitat.com/villa-in-hakuba-lets-residents-enjoy-the-outdoors-under-the-protection-of-a-giant-transparent-roof/" target="_blank">outdoor patio</a>, which allows cyclists to gather and discuss daily rides and competitions, further encouraging a strong sense of community.