North Cascades Bank Chelan Branch, Division of Glacier Bank

This new North Cascades Bank offers an enhanced customer and employee experience and a stunning commercial example of cross-laminated timber (CLT). The exterior reflects the earthy tones in the surrounding mountains, while the interior features three stories of exposed CLT ceiling supported by heavy timber glulam posts and beams. Inside, custom exposed heavy timber stairs are a prominent design feature, while a pronounced heavy timber drive-thru canopy greets patrons outside.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the CLT walls, roof, and floors provide excellent insulation, creating comfortable and energy-efficient spaces for visitors and employees. Glulam columns and beams add structural stability and visual appeal. The building lateral system consists of wood-framed walls with plywood sheathing and continuous rod holdowns.

The open main floor plan, along with large storefront windows and private offices housed in standalone box structures that are less than full ceiling height, allow abundant daylight to flow into the lobby. A large conference room, call center, training area, and offices on the second floor collocate all Chelan employees in this new building where flexibility for future banking operations is critical. A long corridor connects these spaces while showcasing views of the lake. The rentable community workspace on the third floor offers workstations alongside small gathering and private areas. Bank employees can also work and relax on this floor, taking advantage of lunchrooms and two roof decks with views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding hills.

Despite its small size, the project is packed with challenging architectural features. Unique cladding created angular portal frame windows on the sides of the building that are supported by sloping wood and steel wall systems. Intricate detailing was required for the building canopies, sunshades, and rooftop screens. Prefab materials were locally sourced from Vaagen Timber in Colville, WA, echoing the project’s ambitious sustainability goals.

Photography credit: Chris Eden Photography