Workplace case study

3Rivers Federal Credit Union

Operations Center Campus | Design Build

the goals

Transform a functionally obsolete operations center building into a forward-thinking headquarters campus strategy.

Project Background

3Rivers Federal Credit Union was out of operations space. Team members were working in basement storage areas, building systems were at the end of their lifespan, and an inefficient building envelope pushed stratospheric utility bills. In response, the leadership team invested in a 20-year operations space strategy.

The team’s strategic operations plan took advantage of the organization’s seven-acre site and derived a campus approach to accommodate future growth. A renovation, including complete systems and envelope upgrades, would cost less than newly-constructed space, and the 9,000-square foot subterranean level could provide an inexpensive solution to accessory space needs.

A Healthy Working Environment

The building’s three square floors were nearly 100 feet on each side. When combined with a simple structural design, the opportunity to open up the floor plan presented itself. Gone were dead-end corridors and windowless offices. In their place were work areas for 100 office occupants, complemented with a dozen different conference and co-working areas.

Health and wellness are a central component of the 3Rivers strategy. The lower level was transformed into a state-of-the-art gym, with neighboring quiet areas intended for private reflection. The remaining lower level now houses an overflow training lab and professional TV and voice recording studio.

The LEED Certified Silver building incorporates state-of-the-art mechanical systems for enhanced energy efficiency, and carefully specified glazing and shading systems designed to decrease heating and cooling needs while improving the comfort of building occupants.

Leaders were located next to their team members in three-walled office stalls, for easy and immediate access and feedback.

The executive team was located in the center of the building, a physical representation of their connection to each division of the organization. Private meeting rooms and less formal co-working spaces were ample, spread throughout the floor plan. Most importantly, employees would be given the freedom to use these spaces when they wanted to.

Momentum Moment

This project is one of eight 3Rivers facilities to achieve LEED-Certification. The Momentum project team used infrared scanning technology to look for performance issues in the building envelope that would impact energy efficiency.

Energy modeling confirmed a large impact from replacing the building glazing systems. The design team specified new glass that would improve visible light transmission and aesthetics while decreasing the impact of outdoor temperatures on building heating and cooling systems.