Home Federal Bank - Executive Office Renovation

A series of renovations during the 80s, 90s and early 2000s left the executive floor suite with an incongruent mix of styles, materials, and a lack of cohesive space planning.

Among the original mid-century doors, trims, and wall panels, some residential furniture, finishes and classical-style trims were added throughout the decades. These anachronistic features were removed while the original elements were preserved and restored where possible. It was discovered that the original wood used throughout the floor was clear-coated American black walnut, bleached and stained to a reddish cherry color sometime over the last few decades. The original wood wall panels were re-bleached and stained to match natural American black walnut being used throughout the new design, including new wood wall panels, door panels, trim, and furniture.

Other existing original elements provided a further framework for the new design. Existing wall panels in the private offices with black reveals provided a conceptual reference in which to base the new wood panel design. Additionally, existing custom-designed furniture from the original building circa 1963 were still being used throughout the building. Collaborating with a local furniture maker to make new long-lasting pieces for the client, two new reception desks were designed and built with similar detailing as the original furniture pieces but with a modern aesthetic to align with the updated architectural design of the suite. Some of the original furniture was refinished to match the new walnut elements and fitted with new quartz tops to provide a fresh look and to coordinate with the rest of the project once they were moved back into the offices.

Due to it being a downtown structure with windows on only one facade, there was also a lack of natural light and connectivity between the spaces. In an effort to respect the original design while elevating it to a more attractive, inclusive, and functional space, most original plaster walls remained in place with strategic full-height interior glass openings made to bring natural light and views from the adjacent legacy park deep into the floor plate beyond just the private offices.

The design of the project is intended to give the client a contemporary and functional space to serve their current needs that respects the history of the bank and the building it occupies.

Framework for Design Excellence

Design for Integration – This project is a clear example of the balance of historic reverence in design coupled with high building and space performance; a project of exemplary performance for both resources and occupant use and enjoyment. Through an early and sustained integrated design process between Owner, Architect, and Engineers, a central design concept of an open, collaborative, and equitable workspace with direct connections to natural systems and views is achieved.

Design for Equitable Communities – In addition to the majority open office design, an open communal employee break area and break out spaces promote opportunity for human connection and engagement. Considering equity and inclusivity for all, the design provides a non-gendered shower room which was previously located within the men’s restroom. Additionally, the entire office floor plate is one level and all doors, openings, and office element heights are sized to accommodate integral accessibility and movement throughout the spaces. The restrooms were previously too small to accommodate everyone’s needs and were expanded to be accessible for all.

Design for Ecosystems – Despite being at an upper level of an existing office building, this project supports equitable access and connection to nature through expansive views of the outdoors and the adjacent civic pocket park promoting a connecting with the project’s place and regional ecosystem. The reuse of the existing space and materials and thoughtful material selection reduces negative impacts on the environment and human health. Passive design approaches offset energy demand and work with natural systems to provide comfort and occupant well-being.

Design for Water – The project uses low flow and water conserving fixtures to offset water demand. Additionally, given the downtown office tower context of the project, need for water use beyond the typical occupant demand is eliminated.

Design for Economy – Living within the project’s means is inherent in the design given the robust reuse component of the space and its materials. This renovation and reuse of the existing space balances cost of improvements with the long-term value of sustained occupation. Additionally, a reduced operating schedule framework of the office lessens the operational energy/resources demand and costs annually.

Design for Energy – Being this project was in an existing office tower, opportunities for passive design had to be strategic. Large exterior glazing, glass interior partition systems, and an open floor plan allows for ample natural light deep into the floor plate offsetting lighting energy demand. In the winter, this daylight access offsets the necessary heating demand and, in the summer, integrated shading at this full height glazing allows for users to shade and adapt the space as needed to mitigate heat gain, thus lessening the cooling demand. At a baseline, all Mechanical and Electrical elements were updated to highly efficient, low energy systems, including all LED lighting.

Design for Well-being – The project’s downtown location allows it to be easily accessible affording the staff of the office to multiple avenues of travel via walking, biking, and car as needed. The design integrates a non-gender shower room for employees encouraging these alternate forms of transportation. Though the office is “building locked” on (3) sides, great care was given in the design to allow for transparency of natural light from the East glazed façade deep into the floor plate providing a biophilic connection to sunlight and view outdoors to nature.

Design for Resources – The most crucial decision made in the design process was to renovate the existing space rather than pursue a new build. This was the first integral step towards resource conservation and embodied carbon offset. Additionally, the discovery of existing materials, including the historic walnut wall paneling, were carefully restored, and integrated into the design which new finishes being selected for their low carbon, healthy ingredients, and favorable LCA promoting future zero material waste.

Design for Discovery – Home Federal, being a recurring client, allows the designer to have continual post occupancy data and opportunity for revision and improvement over time as the business uses and develops these spaces. Additionally, the design’s inherent tie to the long history of Home Federal promotes a sense of discovery and delight to the users and occupants being a part of and understanding this legacy in the built form. Finally, lessons learned during the construction administration process, working through existing building issues, and maintaining design intent, developed collective lessons and knowledge sharing between the Owner, Architect, and Contractor.