CREJ - Building Dialogue - June 2017
When FourPoint Energy, a leading Denver-based private exploration and production company in the energy industry, set out to create a first-generation space, it wanted an office that would not only help attract and retain top talent, but also reflect its continual growth and success. With decades of experience between them, the company’s leadership team had worked in a number of oil and gas offices – all of which had a similarly polished, traditional. They wanted Four Point’s offices to feel different. A recipient of a 2016 IIDA Rocky Mountain Chapter Merit Award, FourPoint’s new office space speaks to both the company’s modern aesthetic and the raw, industrial nature of what the firm does. The company’s 32,000-square-foot space, which takes up two floors of the newly constructed FirstBank building in Cherry Creek, was designed by Denver-based RNL. Our interior design team created a refined industrial aesthetic using steel, stone and wood throughout the space. Comfortable, modern furniture and an elevated ceiling height create a downtown loft feel within a traditional corporate office that results in a compelling expression of FourPoint’s modern brand. Walking into the space, guests are first greeted by an open, airy reception area that is flooded with natural light. Comfortable yet modern, the reception area chairs allow guests to sink into the room and enjoy the 35-screen, three-sided digital wall that serves as a branding beacon, visible from traffic and pedestrians below after dark. Integration of technology was an important aspect of this project, both from a practical perspective as well as from a branding standpoint. Part of what differentiates FourPoint is its forward-thinking, technology-driven approach, which was reflected in the design. A nine-screen wall, accompanied by various gaming tables, was incorporated into the Community Room for staff enjoyment, while high-end, sustainable lighting solutions were used throughout common and individual areas to reinforce energy savings, and create a more productive environment for its “work-hard, play-hard” culture. Ceiling heights were maximized where possible by finishing the ceiling close to the structure and exposing the systems that run throughout. Steel beam wraps conceal actual fireproofed beams to create a polished and finished open ceiling concept. A beautiful and planar connecting stair was added at the reception area to not only physically connect the two floors, but also to reinforce wellness, activity and accessibility to the executive team that resides near the top of the stair. The minimal steel stringer and cantilevering stair treads create a sculptural element that can be viewed from inside as well as out. Wood used on ceilings, wall treatments and open stair treads, as well as stone wall elements, add warmth and texture to the space. Transparency and approachability are cornerstones of FourPoint’s culture. All-glass office fronts bring natural light to the interior workstation areas and support their philosophy of openness. Employees can work in both individual and collaborative areas throughout the office space. End User Q&A Q: How did RNL partner with FourPoint Energy to create a space that would meet your needs? A: RNL took a highly detailed approach to understanding our business and how each one of our departments are connected. Through various employee surveys, focus groups and meetings conducted by RNL, their team was able to develop a workspace that is not only beautiful, but also incredibly functional and efficient for our organization. Q: How does your new office space encourage collaboration, productivity, community and an entrepreneurial spirit? A: Our office space features various meeting spaces that are all equipped with AV capabilities that naturally foster collaboration. The openness of the entire office lends a team-oriented atmosphere and facilitates unencumbered communication with one another. The space also features a large community room to encourage employees to gather for morning coffee, afternoon lunches and special events. Q: How do your employees use the space on a daily basis? A: Our employees really utilize nearly every aspect of our office space – from individual work spaces that give them the tools they need to do their daily jobs to using phone rooms for making private calls and the community room for enjoying lunch with colleagues. Our meeting spaces allow for multiple important meetings to take place simultaneously, while our huddle rooms encourage less formal, but still important collaborative team-building opportunities. Q: What do your employees like most about the new space? A: Employees are most appreciative that FourPoint took the time to build an office that truly represents who we are as an organization – forward-thinking, team-oriented and entrepreneurial. It’s a space they are proud of and excited to come to each and every day. Q: What have your clients or guests said about the space? A: It’s one of the best office environments they’ve ever seen. Rene.Stremel@RNLDESIGN.com