The unique bank headquarters building grew from the owner’s desire to create a superior workplace environment for employees, and the idea of a building which “sits lightly on the land.” The resulting design disturbs as little earth as possible, integrating native features of the coastal landscape and capturing views to nature from every office while preserving the site’s longleaf pines and live oaks. The building is anchored by a central lounge with a double-height window wall overlooking the central courtyard.
Two-story office wings radiate to the east, with interior glass walls that allow for transparency and fabulous views from any point within the building. Because natural light and views for every employee were critical goals, the office wings are long and slender, with interior glass walls for transparency throughout the building. The distinction between inside and outside is further softened by shaded terraces, active walkways and decks through the courtyard, a second-floor balcony, and a cyprus exterior which will gently weather over time and further integrate the building into its site. A 50-seat tiered digital conference room provides a venue for teleconferencing with satellite offices as well as employee seminars and meetings. A fitness center, exterior deck, and on-site dog park round out the list of employee amenities.
All photos by Mark Herboth.
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