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645 Junction Road, Madison, Wisconsin

The requirement our client presented to us was to draw from the grassroots legacy of the credit union movement to design and implement a building representative of that strength, integrity and freedom, brought forward to the new century.

The site's historical roots are farm fields woven among native prairie within a softly rolling terrain. As we brought our concept forward, it became clear that an interpretive Prairie philosophy would best serve the project. We believed that this interpretation allowed us to fully utilize the design foundations of strength, freedom, and integrity forged by the values of the Midwestern community and their land aesthetic.

We identified the northwest corner of the property as a gateway to the Junction Road residential and commercial development. Specifically, a corner tower was positioned at this intersection, creating a "cornerstone" announcement to the neighborhood beyond.

The street elevation facing Old Sauk Road has the appearance of a prairie village with its geometric form and proportion. The service side (east side) has cascade roof elements and a fine sense of order and texture. The simple but highly articulated shapes exemplify the guiding principles of a financial institution: the entry with its arched portico, dignified and approachable, portrays Strength, the predominant exterior materials of brick and stone imply Integrity, and the interior's diversity of free form shapes and the free flowing patterns of sunlight brought in by the skylights symbolize Freedom. The building in its wholeness mirrors the prairie landscape and the diversity of the plants contained within.

Landscape development included native plantings that feature elements of the building footprint. A perennial garden graces the entry and a half circle of hawthorns and juniper shelter an employee patio. The major organizing element of the landscape scheme is a series of rectilinear hedges, radiating from the front door. The hedges organize the space, screen the parking facilities and are interpreted as hedgerows - thereby recalling the farming heritage of the immediate area. Parking was arranged so that no cars abut the building itself. This gesture opens the building to unimpeded view, appropriate to its prairie heritage and allows effective pedestrian access.

We have created a building that lives and functions as it deserves to: paying respect to the heritage of its land, its site, and its clients.


Architect: Linville Architects, LLC
Land Planner: Brian Gutheinz- Land Design Studio, LLC
Contractor: Stevens Construction
Photographer: Zane Williams