Live Oak Bank
Live Oak Bank Campus
This unique campus for a bank headquarters originated from the owner’s desire to create a superior workplace environment for employees, and is inspired by the idea of buildings which “sit 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.
Natural light and views for every employee were critical design goals, so 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 cypress exterior which will gently weather over time and further integrate the building into its site.
LOCATION: Wilmington, NC
SIZE: 924,500 SF
COMPLETED: Ongoing
PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Herboth
Prioritizing Flexibility
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.
Supporting Healthy Living
In keeping with the client’s commitment to providing worldclass workspaces for its employees, the 18,000 SF fitness space features yoga, group, and cardio studios; fitness equipment; a clinic space operated by a local healthcare partner; rooftop deck; and outdoor exercise spaces in an expansive, open environment. The exterior formal language responds to the program with a grand entrance and a massing which is broken down for the studios, clinic, and rooftop deck, culminating in the rhythmic nature of the main workout zone.
Awards
2020 AIA SAR Wood Award | 2016 AIA Wilmington Design Awards
Environmental Inspirations
Sustainable strategies include tree preservation for shading and enjoyment, high performance mechanical systems and glazing, daylighting, and a retention pond for stormwater management that doubles as a popular site amenity. Sheltered walkways, boardwalks, and running trails connect site elements and workspaces, while a variety of outdoor areas serve as flexible work and gathering areas.