Modern two-story building with wood and stone exterior, surrounded by green lawn and paths under a cloudy sky. Sparse trees and landscaped garden areas are visible in the foreground, giving it the serene atmosphere of a Research Center.

A Better Whey

Grande Cheese Home Office & Research Center

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, USA

Crafting an Experiential Hub: Integrating a state-of-the-art complex with its natural surroundings, while nurturing employees and captivating visitors.

A gold circular badge with the text "U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Gold, USGBC" surrounding a stylized leaf design, often seen at eco-conscious facilities such as a Homeless Recovery Center.

Client

Grande Cheese Company

Project Size

90,000 GSF

Completed in

2018

A testament to innovation, architectural excellence blends seamlessly with the natural surrounding Wisconsin landscape. Designed to be more than just a corporate headquarters, this state-of-the-art complex invites visitors on an immersive journey into the art of cheesemaking. The facility supports employee well-being with views spanning the landscape and amenities such as a health clinic, reading library, breakrooms with recreational offerings, “reenergizing rooms” and an outdoor courtyard. Drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of Wisconsin dairy farming, the headquarters pinwheel layout resembles a barn, creating a space that celebrates both heritage and modernity. Lower walls made of local stone symbolize tradition while upper wooden walls represent innovation, connecting past and present. Inside, visitors are greeted by a two-story central hub that offers a glimpse into the intricacies of cheesemaking with working laboratories, demonstration areas and a Heritage Room. This building redefines the corporate experience, offering a complete sensory immersion that captivates and educates in equal measure.

Awards

2018 AIA Georgia People’s Choice Award – Built Projects

2018 Wisconsin Masonry Alliance Best of Show

2018 Wisconsin Masonry Alliance Best of Natural Stone

It will facilitate growth and innovation by providing a unique and creative space for the art and science of manufacturing world-class dairy products.

34%

Energy Reduction

31%

Potable Water Use Reduction

77%

Regularly Occupied Spaces Achieve Daylighting Requirement

100%

Low Emitting Materials

90.99%

Regularly Occupied Spaces Achieve Direct Line of Sight to Outdoor Views

Creating places that can’t be built by anyone else

…for anyone else.

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