Live Oak Bank Headquarters / LS3P Associates

Architects: LS3P Associates
Location: Wilmington, NC, USA
Area: 36500.0 ft2
Year: 2013
Photographs: Mark Herboth

Structural Engineering: Woods Engineering
Contractor: Clancy & Theys

From the architect. Live Oak Bank, a privately-held bank headquartered in Wilmington, NC, is one of the most successful banking institutions in the country. This success, as well as their mission to create the best workplace environment for their employees, led them to the decision to construct a new office building that could be customized to their specific needs.

They found a piece of virgin land in the heart of Wilmington and challenged LS3P to design the building so that the site was disturbed as little as possible. Great lengths were taken to preserve trees and natural features of the site, while providing views from every office and workspace within the building. Cypress siding was chosen as the exterior building material to make the structure blend into the environment even more.

The building is anchored by a central lounge that includes a large kitchen, coffee bar, upholstered casual seating, and a two-story window wall overlooking the central courtyard and deck. Two-story office wings radiate to the east with interior glass walls that allow for transparency and fabulous views from any point within the building.

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 (employees are encouraged to bring their dogs to work) round out the list of employee amenities.