Interface Headquarters Façade
Project Vision
Perkins+Will’s challenge was to combine multiple Interface locations into a single headquarters, transforming a nondescript 1950s-era office building into a design-forward space that reflects Interface’s commitment to sustainable practices and biophilic design.
“Early on in the design process, we studied the site of the building and really tried to imagine it in its pristine original condition. We sought inspiration from the soil, water, and carbon conditions as they were long ago, back when the site was still an untouched deciduous forest, and wanted that inspiration to guide our design approach,” says one of the lead designers of the project.
In addition to numerous biophilic interventions throughout the building, the façade has been wrapped in a semi-transparent recyclable polyester sheath on which a life-size forest is depicted. In addition to making a bold statement about the company’s values (and the natural history of the site itself), it provides shade, privacy, and visual interest to staff and visitors inside.
The design of the façade wrap is comprised of square pixels—reminiscent of Interface’s modular flooring systems—that take on varying sizes in response to the density of a photographic reference image. The material of the panels is designed to be removable, replaceable, and fully recyclable to allow for future re-imaginings of the building façade. From an inhabitant’s perspective, the pattern creates a dappled lighting condition reminiscent of sunlight through leaves, while allowing for privacy and sunshade.
Project Details
Design Team
Katie Janson (branded environments, facade graphic design), Keith Curtis (branded environments), Christine Burton (graphic designer), Paula McEvoy (project manager), Sung Lee (interior designer), Ping Wong (lead interior designer), Bruce McEvoy (design principal)
Project Area
40,000 sq ft
Consultants
Angelina Giro (project manager, Interface, Inc.), Chip DeGrace (workplace applications contractor, Integra Construction), Parkside Partners (owner), Choate (interior contractor), JLL (project manager)
Fabricators
Lintech (material manufactuer), SunTech Tinting, Inc. (installation)