Little
Fairwinds Federal Credit Union
East Orlando Campus
Orlando, FL
Project Type
Adaptive Reuse, Interiors, Office
Size
85,000 Square Feet
Design Services
Architecture, Brand Experience, Digital Visualization, Interior Architecture
Unifying a previously disconnected campus to provide a safe, exciting, and communal environment that helps each member realize their greatest potential.
The property assets held by Fairwinds had not kept pace with the success of the brand. Our design team was approached by the client to reposition and modernize their East Orlando Campus.
Design Awards
- AIA Orlando Award of Merit
- AIA Florida/Caribbean Merit Award of Excellence for Renovations and Additions
Project Goals
How can we utilize design integration strategies to turn two outdated and disconnected buildings into one campus that is worthy of the Fairwinds brand?
The strategically positioned site represents a gateway to the campus of the University of Central Florida and offers a high degree of visibility to the heavily traveled Alafaya Trail. Despite its premier location, the two existing buildings were approaching obsolescence and were becoming maintenance and fiscal liabilities.
Objectives
- Connect the two disassociated buildings
- Update the campus to match the brand
Solutions
A simple folded plane simultaneously shades the building from the intense Florida sun, unifies the two existing masses, and creates a unique entry procession through a series of lush garden spaces that bring the outdoors in, and vice versa.
A Central Entrance
The design team began by connecting the two buildings with a continuous, light-filled glass atrium, providing a single point of entry for all employees and visitors.
The shaded space, lush garden, and extensive daylighting all create a greater sense of well-being for occupants. The delicate brise-soleil filters Western light and enables the expanse of a taut glazed skin.
I drive up to the beautiful new building every morning and say to myself ‘wow, I work for a company that built that for its members and employees’
Fairwinds Employee
Results
The resulting campus is a story of transformation focused on human wellness, collaboration and a welcoming community presence. Fairwinds Federal Credit Union continues to flourish as a locally-focused bank and consistently ranks as one of Central Florida’s best employers.
