Background
Raiffeisen Bank in Gland wanted to redesign its branch to create a more welcoming space for its customers and a more pleasant environment for its employees. As the winner of the 2024 interior design competition, Fredricks Design developed the concept “La Banque des Chênes.” It is a branch that tells the story of Gland, its landscapes, and its history, while reflecting the bank’s cooperative values.

Approach & Design
The concept is based on symbols of Gland, translated into concrete elements:

• The oak tree and its fruit, the acorn, which gave the city its name: oak strips on the walls and the central column, acorn-shaped pendants, and leaf-shaped acoustic panels on the ceiling.
• The Serine, the local river, which inspired the living room of the same name and the fluid lines of the layout.
• The “Toblerones,” the anti-tank blocks from World War II, whose shape is reflected in the Toblerones lounge.
• Signage made of carved oak letters: each room has a name related to Gland (Serine, Toblerones, Chêne Rouge, Vieux Bourg).
• Integrated acoustic treatment: felt panels with graphic patterns in the meeting rooms, acoustic ceilings made of recycled PET, and suspended elements.
• Meeting rooms equipped for videoconferencing, with audiovisual support.
• A staff cafeteria that opens onto the terrace, featuring a sage-green kitchen and high tables.

Ambiance & materials

• Light oak is the dominant feature on the walls, floors, and furniture, creating a warm and timeless atmosphere.
• The color palette reflects the local landscape: forest green for calm, the blue of the water for confidence, sunny yellow for optimism, and a touch of red that echoes the Raiffeisen identity.
• Each meeting room has its own acoustic wall design (diamonds, waves, facets, and red and wood-colored stripes). This makes it easier to find your way around and gives each space its own personality.
• In the waiting area, modular seating with rounded shapes creates a more informal atmosphere.
• The lighting design combines acorn-shaped pendant lights, circular ceiling lights, and linear wooden fixtures.

Result
The Raiffeisen branch in Gland now offers:

• a warm and less formal welcome for customers,
• acoustically comfortable meeting rooms equipped for videoconferencing,
• pleasant workspaces and break areas for employees,
• a strong identity, rooted in the history and landscapes of Gland.

The location reflects the bank’s cooperative values: accessibility, a strong local presence, and a focus on people.