Wells Fargo Bank- Four Points

PROJECT LOCATION: Austin, Texas
CLIENT: Wells Fargo Bank Texas, N.A.
DOC: January 2003

DESCRIPTION:
The building is a new branch banking facility with motor bank serving a developing community west of Austin, Texas. The objective was to create a strong sense of place appropriate to the location in the Texas Hill Country, but that also reflected the attitudes that are uniquely Austin. The client wanted native stone and metal roof but with a “twist” that represented the sophisticated but relaxed style of Austin.

The bank’s programmatic requirements for a “full service” financial center included: lobby tellers, motor bank, ATM, personal bankers, safe deposit boxes, cyber banking on premises, offices for the Branch Manager and Service Manager, support functions including conference room, waiting area, break room, toilets, workrooms, and data and electrical rooms.

The company had its origin as a stagecoach company. It is now the largest on-line banking operation in the nation. It wanted the building solution to be contemporary but rooted in the history of the region. The long steel structure with standing seam roof is evocative of barns and industrial structures in the area. Large stone from a local quarry was selected and laid up in a traditional German smear manner. However, these elements are articulated in a modern idiom with glass curtain walls, steel solar elements, exposed spiral ductwork, state of the art lighting, maple veneer MDF with expressed connections.

The massing and spatial qualities of the building reflect the functional usage of the program areas. For example, the massive masonry–clad volumes enclose the secure “back of house” functions and vaults. By contrast, the Banking Hall and retail areas are open, light-filled and rendered in steel and glass. The exposed structural steel frame serves as an expression of the 5-foot by 5 foot organizing grid. It is the armature that binds the building’s spatial organization. Large glass curtain walls open onto small gardens allowing enjoyment of the landscape from within.

Energy saving elements include: solar shading devices on exterior of building, deep overhangs, low e-glazing. A unique structural decking system was utilized that provides thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, structural decking, and serves as the finished ceiling. Also energy efficient lighting devices and high efficiency mechanical equipment were installed. All exterior veneer is local stone that minimizes hauling and shipping and stimulates the local economy.

The building budget was maintained by use of a limited palette of readily available materials of local origin and by use of a structural design grid that was adhered to, resulting in simplification and repetition of details. Materials and systems selected were used in an honest manner and left exposed, not covered over.

2003 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AWARD, Austin Business Journal

DETAILS IN ARCHITECTURE 5, November 2003
AUSTIN BUSINESS JOURNAL, March 28-April 3, 2003
AUSTIN BUSINESS JOURNAL, July 11-17, 2003