Faced with vacating an aging drive-thru facility, First Tennessee Bank commissioned a stand-alone drive-thru branch on an empty, but narrow, lot to serve as a prototype for future drive-thru branches in the region. Long known for their support of thoughtful architectural solutions, First Tennessee has used design to attract and maintain a strong customer base. The challenge was to develop a design consistent with the client’s overall vision while providing a cost-effective solution using low-maintenance materials.
The design focuses on creating a sense of security and scale typical of traditional walk-in banking facilities, while addressing the requirements of the vehicle as the primary mediator of most transactions. A simple brick mass reflects the stability of the bank and is carved out to create a transparent lobby for walk-up traffic and a solid workspace for tellers. A glass band horizontally bisects the volume except for one side. Along the west side, the brick interrupts the glass to visually separate the patron and teller zones, and grounds the ‘floating’ masonry.
Adding to the visual security, the lower half of the building incorporates split-face 8x8 masonry. This band defines the teller zone, wrapping around the rear of the building and terminating at the security entrance. Anodized aluminum window frames, columns and entry canopy add a touch of lightness to the composition and echo the high-tech characteristics of the auto.
