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REI’s new headquarters is all about the outdoors

Office Buildings

REI’s new headquarters is all about the outdoors

NBBJ designed the project.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | March 3, 2020
REI Headquarters aerial

Courtesy NBBJ

Located in Bellevue, Wash., the new REI headquarters building will feature many opportunities for employees to get outside with courtyards, bridges, and open park space.

The eight-acre campus will feature nearly 400,000-sf of space spread across three buildings in the Spring District neighborhood. The landscape will become a seamless part of the public and private realms through a series of pedestrian connections, interior courtyards, and a large-scale roof deck. It will feature plants that celebrate the native and agricultural heritage of the area. 

 

REI HEADQUARTERS SITE PLANCourtesy GGN.

 

The buildings’ facades will include large windows and garage doors that can be opened to help bring the surrounding nature inside. Much of the outdoor space can be used for meetings on nice days and can also be combined, thanks to the roll up garage doors, with indoor space, giving employees options on how to work and attend meetings.

 

REI HQ interior space with garage doors

 

Interior workstations were made from oak butcher blocks in an effort to reduce waste. Reclaimed wood from dead trees and bridge beams was also used to make conference tables and chairs. The interior features an abundance of stairs, more than were necessary, so employees of the company that promotes an active lifestyle can get up and move around. 

 

See Also: Decommissioned cheese factory becomes a contemporary art space

 

The Build Team also includes: GGN (landscape architect), KPFF (structural engineer), and JMJ (civil engineer).

 

REI HQ aerialCourtesy GGN.

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