The first full mass timber structure in the nation to use southern yellow pine cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels was completed in September 2019. After several years of working on renovation projects for 1900 branch locations, 38 of which are located across Texas, First United and the firm went in the direction of ground-up construction.

The client had two primary goals for the Fredericksburg location: to create a distinct structure that would stand out from other bank branches in the area, and to create a highly sustainable building. First United asked for sustainability, the design team proposed targeting net zero energy, prompting the owner to push the envelope even further and explore CLT.

The 8,500-sf project incorporates a range of sustainability measures. The design team implemented a high-efficiency VRF HVAC system, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows to harvest natural daylight, and large cantilevered overhangs to shade the structure and reduce cooling costs. Additionally, the sloping roof also facilitates rain collection. It’s estimated that the building will direct as much as 250 million gallons of water annually to an adjacent storage system.

Glumac has gone on to complete two (2) other mass timber branches for First United Bank in Sherman, Texas and Moore, OK.

Features:

• CLT
• Rainwater harvesting
• Rooftop solar panels are designed to offset 130k kWh annually to achieve Net Zero Energy

Size: 8,500 sf
Construction Cost: Confidential
Date: Fall 2019
Architect: Gensler
Owner: First United Bank
Services: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

Image courtesy Gensler/Ryan Conway