Federal Home Loan Bank

Introduction

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines is one of 11 regional banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. The financial institution provides funding solutions to more than 1,400 members in 13 states and three U.S. Pacific territories.

Located in downtown Des Moines since 1932, FHLB needed to consolidate offices for its more than 300 employees. In 2017, FHLB purchased a six-story office building with a design plan to occupy the top three floors and lease the remaining space to retail and commercial tenants. Although the building had been well maintained since its opening in 1997, FHLB had some ambitious design requests including increasing collaboration spaces, maximizing employee mobility and flexibility, and promoting concentration and activity-based solutions for the work environment.

The  Story

With the assistance of Substance Architecture and Graham Construction, the renovation included a new roof, elevators, HVAC system, and the space requirements for the improved employee work environment. Additionally, the team removed a large portion of the structure to create a double height space on the fifth floor and opened the lobby to the public with added retail space. Finally, the design plan connected the lobby to the Des Moines Skywalk system.

Recognizing the retail segments would bring high traffic, surfacing selection was a critical component in the design phase. To achieve the desired aesthetic, the Substance Architecture team chose Crossville Porcelain Tile Panels by Laminam (i Naturali Pietra di Savoia Grigia and Calce Antracite). This surfacing solution offers a soothing color combination that coordinates beautifully with other materials and offered the team the natural stone look they specified.

Skinning the walls in the main hallways, the sophisticated porcelain tile panels provide durability in a very lean profile that is ideal for the vertical applications. Long-term, the tile panels will be easily maintained while retaining their elegant appearance—a key point for those managing the upkeep of the busy facility and seeking lasting materials that will stay stylish for years to come.