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| Credit Union’s Modern Interior Transformation  With a commitment to its 20,000 members and their communities, Travis Credit Union of California helps underserved populations to achieve financial wellbeing and to acquaint them with its philosophy of "people helping people." As part of its massive branch transformation project, the credit union systematically is renovating each of its branches to align members' banking experiences with today's technological trends, to modernize the aesthetics, and to standardize its presence with a dynamic branding scheme for the retail facet of the organization. Improved member services and comfort Travis Credit Union at Vaca Commons, built in 1992, is a 6,000-square-foot, single-story structure. This original branch was designed with a more conventional approach to branch banking. "Travis Credit Union decided to combine the Branch with Wealth Management because it wanted to utilize square footage unused by the branch to provide the Wealth Management team a 'home base,' where members specifically seeking wealth management services can meet with advisors in a more private office environment," explained Ken Nagy, Travis Credit Union's associate vice president for facilities and support services. Ideal impression Serving as both architect and interior designer, arcINTERIORS worked closely with Travis Credit Union and Sierra View General Contractor to bring its client's transformative vision to reality. Contributing to customers' and staff's exceptional experience once they entered the space, arcINTERIORS specified Rockfon ceiling products as installed by DK Acoustics, Inc. To accomplish both the aesthetic and functional needs of the project, arcINTERIORS selected Rockfon Artic acoustic stone wool ceiling panels and Chicago Metallic suspension systems. "The versatile Rockfon acoustic stone wool ceiling panels and suspension systems were instrumental in achieving these goals with its sleek, smooth, white modern appearance, and its ability to transition from the suspended acoustical tile ceiling to gypsum board soffits," described arcINTERIORS' principal Aileen L. Sulzinger, CID, LEED AP ID+C. She elaborated, "The suspended acoustical tiles are hung askew to create the illusion of an even more expansive space. The curved designs of the gypsum board soffits are used as way-finding tools as they purposely guide members from the entry and through the perimeter of the branch to all of the different services provided." Privacy as a priority With the new branch transformation's open concept, Sulzinger emphasized, "It was imperative to incorporate solutions to mitigate issues of sound transfer and absorption throughout the space. The design team sought solutions to help members have verbal privacy as they conduct their banking tasks. Rockfon acoustic stone wool ceiling panels contributed to the improvement of the acoustics throughout the space with its 0.75 NRC standard sound absorption – a 50 percent increase in noise absorption from the previous ceiling design." Bright, light and sustainable Further helping to create more comfortable areas throughout the space, the waiting areas' ceiling design features a circular, low soffit with suspended lighting. The smooth surface and bright white color of the Artic ceiling panels reflects up to 85 percent (0.85 LR) of light. During the day, natural light from the exterior is reflected throughout the interior, which lessens the need for electrical illumination. The high light reflectance, recycled content and indoor air quality attributes of Rockfon Artic ceiling panels also contributed to the project's sustainability objectives, according to Sulzinger. "The branch transformation at Vaca Commons exceeded the 2016 California Green Building requirements for construction waste management, sustainable finishes, recycling, building materials, and new mechanical and electrical, including the stringent Title 24 California requirements for lighting and energy consumption." She noted that the stone wool ceiling panels have earned UL Environment's GREENGUARD Gold Certification for low-emitting products, a benefit recognized by the State of California's Department of Public Health Services Standard Practice for Specification. Supporting worker wellness and safety, installing contractors also appreciate that Rockfon ceiling panels are lightweight, easy to carry and simple to install into the Chicago Metallic ceiling suspension system. Successful prototype The progressive design and successful renovation of the Travis Credit Union Vaca Commons Branch and Wealth Management office provided a prototype for other locations. The credit union's Atwater Branch office and the Willow Pass/Concord location also feature Rockfon Artic ceiling systems as installed by DK Acoustics, in collaboration with Sierra View and arcINTERIORS. "Succeeding branch transformations modeled after it, left nothing to chance," said Sulzinger. "The success of the design of this project truly was a team effort!" write your comments about the article :: © 2018 Construction News :: home page |