Set in the arid context of southern Kennewick, this new Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU) branch is a billboard of the company's culture. Focused on creating an appropriate first impression to the thriving area region, STCU defined five main principles for this project:
- Warmth
- Efficient
- Rooted
- Set Apart From Competition
- Drive-In Members
The importance of new membership drove an architectural response of being noticed along the heavily traveled Highway 395, yet reducing the scale once a member travels through the front door. Once inside, the interior design communicates to members to stay and interact with ‘their’ credit union.
The tale of two functions: The architecture showcases the Credit Union branch to the left and Real Estate Services to the right. A central ‘living room’ unites the functions with multiple zones to socialize. An adjacent patio encourages members to go outside and experience the expansive southwest exposure, while in turn placing members on the main façade to showcase STCU membership to passersby on Highway 395.
A rooted solution triggered new thoughts about landscape in an arid climate. Xeriscape and local plantings were selected to seamlessly stitch the facility with the region's greater desert climate and also reduce water usage.
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