situation:
Infinite Campus, an education based computer software company in Blaine, MN, needed a new corporate headquarters facility to consolidate its expanding business into one location. Working with Finn - Daniels Architects, the company wanted to design a unique facility that would be functional and most importantly, aesthetically pleasing for employees and clients. The new 100,000 square foot building has two wings and two entirely different artificial landscape themes were desired for either side of the building.
initiatives:
Working closely with the architect and the owner, Commercial Silk International designed an Oriental Garden theme featuring our Ancient Sequoia Tree and complete with a 50’ x 20’ Koi pond. The northwoods theme included our artificial Rocky Mountain Pine Tree and the theme terminated at a three story climbing wall which was installed by the owner. Because of the limited light and the necessity for large trees to reduce the scale of the building, large artificial evergreen trees were the logical choice to be installed in each themed wing. Ground level live plants were used in both wings.
Since the construction of the building was being fast-tracked, we had time constraints for our plant installation that were more restrictive than most interior landscape projects. Typically a project of this size would require a three week installation schedule and would involve our entire installation department. However, the three week installation schedule was compressed to under two weeks.
The other challenge to meet was a strict fire code for artificial plants. The Minnesota fire code required that the artificial foliage meet the flame propagation requirements of the NFPA 701. Through the use of our fire retardant foliages, we were able to satisfy the fire code requirements.
results:
A dry stream bed consisting of Mexican beach pebbles flowed through the Oriental Garden is contained in its bed by limestone and/or islands of moss cloth. Live plants were used throughout the planting islands. Artificial Oriental Bamboo and artificial Black Olive trees were the major vertical elements that helped create the space. Artificial Bonsaii, Artificial Ancient Sequoia and Artificial Flowering Dogwood were utilized as focal points.
The overstory trees in the North Woods were primarily Artificial Rocky Mountain Pine, Scotch Pine, and Paper Birch. Artificial Grass, Hostas and Forest Ferns were also used at ground level in addition to various live plants in the planting areas. Bark nuggets completed the North Woods theme.
In the end, we completed the project on time and within budget with our fire retardant foliage. The client was so pleased that he camped out for a weekend with his kids in the northwoods wing of the building.
location:
DOMESTIC
more resources:
● Unique Landscapes May Include Artificial Bonsai Trees
● Enhancing Office Productivity With Silk Plants