North Cascades Bank

North Cascades Bank, an innovative banking center in Downtown Chelan, features a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structural system, electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficient lighting, rainwater management, enhanced indoor air quality, and is on track to receive LEED certification.  This 15,700 square foot, three-story bank features important amenities for employees such as showers, a gym, and a roof garden with territorial views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding hills.  The soft sage and wheat colors of the local landscape provided inspiration for the exterior cladding.

The client identified mass timber as a priority for the project and this proved inspiring for the design team who embraced the challenge of designing a building that exposes the wood CLT panels, maximizing the benefits of wood and enhancing a sense of well-being for employees and customers.   The CLT floor and roof panels were sourced in Colville, WA and presented a unique opportunity to use a local, time-tested material in an innovative way and with the timeless benefits of wood: warmth, emotional connection, stress reduction and connection to nature.