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Though it is merely a bank branch and office building, the NW Federal Credit Union, by Seattle's Miller/Hull Partnership, has a dignity and presence unpredicted by its 40,000-sq-ft program, its modest budget, or its site. NW is a credit union for federal-government employees in the Puget Sound area, and most of its nine other branches are without architectural identity, being invisibly accommodated in sprawling federal buildings or compounds. The north Seattle site was chosen because of the ever-northward growth of the metro area, and the need for NW to create a headquarters identity independent of specific federal- government workplaces.
While proximity to the adjacent Northgate Mall, expanding employment centers, and easy freeway access were all factors, it was the natural splendor of a site edged with forest, ravine, and carefully trimmed cemetery that brought NW here. Yet the site also faces a large collection of bulky big boxes, instantly forgettable institutional constructions and professional buildings, not to mention a bursting menu of fast food franchises, that spill indiscriminately across the buzzing barrier of I-5, Seattle's north-south spine.
Miller/Hull was selected as designer largely because of its established expertise in green architecture--not just in terms of energy-efficient, minimum-impact construction, but, broadly considered, a healthy and stimulating work environment. According to key client representative and NW Vice President of Finance John Zmolek, "Our board was committed to demonstrating green building principles."
Making the most of views and microclimate orientation were the key elements in architectural-design choices made by partner David Miller. Nearly every workspace boasts a view of either grassy cemetery, densely treed ravine, or downtown Seattle's distant skyline.
With its aggressive roof form and broadly extended porch, the "head" of the building's massing is cranked southeast from the cardinal street grid to face a point midway between the natural landmark of Mount Rainier and the urban reality of the much-nearer Northgate Mall. It's a way of acknowledging both, say the architects....