Title: Live Oak Bank
Location of Proejct: Wilmington
Project Completion Date: 02/2013
Firm Name: LS3P ASSOCIATES, LTD.

Short Description: The unique bank headquarters facility grew out of the owner’s desire to create a superior workplace environment, and to create 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. A central lounge with a double-height window wall anchors the building and overlooks the central courtyard. Two-story office wings radiate to the east, with interior glass walls that allow for transparency and fabulous views from any vantage point.

Architect's Statement: Designed for integration into its environment, this 36,500 SF office building captures views from every workspace, preserving as much of the undisturbed site as possible. 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. These workspaces are anchored by an informal employee lounge with a double-height window wall which offers a view of the central courtyard and the live oak grove beyond. 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 cypress exterior which will gently weather over time and further integrate the building into its site.

The owner, determined to create a superior workplace environment for employees with a sense of connection and collaboration, challenged the design team to preserve the longleaf pines and live oaks growing on the previously undeveloped site and envision a building which would “sit lightly on the land.” To this end, all of the exterior building materials were selected to blend with the natural environment and be genuine to eastern North Carolina. Cypress siding covers the facades; the glass, selected for its high-performance characteristics as well as its gentle reflection of the trees and blue sky, is supported by dark gray window frames which seem to disappear from the interior so that views to the exterior are uninterrupted. The heavy timber structure harmonizes with the site, providing a warm, tactile materials palette.

The building’s slender wings are optimally oriented for passive solar design and daylighting, enclosing open workspaces which retain expansive views and a strong connection to nature. Four exterior decks provide spaces for employees to work outside and enjoy the beautiful views, weather, and fresh air. The dynamic courtyard references the imagery of a live oak, which has its own ecological structure and lifeline from the base, strong trunk, heavy branches, and articulated foliage supporting the life around it.

The resulting facility creates and supports a highly desirable lifestyle, not just a contemporary workspace. The work environment reflects the client’s open, transparent business model and makes it easy to attract and retain high-quality staff. The building’s form prioritizes daylighting and views, also allowing low, open work stations arranged at the exterior windows and enclosed but transparent offices at the core for function requiring privacy. The long wings are anchored by a double-height gathering space which houses fitness space and a kitchen. The narrow wings also maximize indoor/outdoor connections with outdoor workspaces on both levels.

A sustainable lifestyle for employees was as much a priority as sustainable construction, and therefore the team took a holistic approach to sustainable strategies. An overarching goal was to disturb as little of the surrounding longleaf pine forest as possible. The site, a green oasis in the heart of Wilmington, featured a high spot with a natural clearing; the clearing became the building’s eventual location, and the parking layout weaves between the existing trees. During construction, the design team met with the contractor on site multiple times to flag trees and adjust the design to accommodate existing longleaf pines and oaks. The site remains a welcoming spot for native wildlife; an adjacent wildlife conservation area contains one of the few natural growing areas of the Venus Fly Trap.

The history of the site remains visible in the longleaf pines that still bear the markings of being tapped for their resin during the early 1900s for the production of turpentine. These pines, called naval store trees, are part of Wilmington’s history and it was important to the client and design team that these trees remain on the site. Two of the trees that had to be removed were salvaged as custom furniture and artwork that is prominently displayed in the new building. These conversation pieces provide the opportunity for bank visitors to learn about the historical significance of the site and the Cape Fear region to the history of North Carolina.

Connectivity was another key priority. The site includes multiple pedestrian paths of brick pavers, ipe decking, and mulch. The pavers provide accessible entrances from the parking lot and building exits. Ipe sidewalks curve throughout the courtyard and connect the outdoor decks and the two office wings. Mulch walking/ running trails also connect to a cross-city trail. Bike racks at the front of the building are used often by employees who take advantage of the city’s multiuse path.