Hiawatha National Bank
Historically, bank buildings were often built on a grand scale. With imposing interior spaces and clarity of purpose, these structures were designed to evoke a sense of wonder and inspire confidence in their stability as a social institution.
The client aimed to combine the grandeur of historical banks with a respect for the more modest vernacular farmstead construction typical in the region. Hiawatha National Bank has a century-old tradition of operating community banks in the upper Midwest and was created to serve both as a local retail banking outlet and as headquarters for the ownership team.
LOCATION
Plymouth, WI
SCALE
20,400 sf
STATUS
Completed 2019
The choice of thick limestone masonry walls and heavy timber accents provides a strong connection to the landscape and to the historic context of surrounding agrarian farmsteads. Hiawatha has a legacy of serving as a business and social focal point within their local communities. Thus the landscape was envisioned as a park-like campus with native gardens and outdoor rooms for events.
On the building, interior exposed glulam timber structure, wood-clad walls, and large glass curtain walls create inviting and comfortable spaces infused with abundant natural daylight. An open wood, steel, and glass staircase serves as a central focal point within the two-story main atrium. On the second floor a variety of conference and office spaces wrap around the light-filled central atrium. Glass doors provide access to a green roof placed above the teller drive-thru canopy.
Hiawatha Bank is committed to serving clients with disabilities, so great care was taken to create grand yet dignified spaces that convey a sense of welcome and belonging to customers and to the community at large.
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