After 30 years in their Birmingham headquarters, Vulcan Materials, the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregate, once again partnered with Williams Blackstock Architects to embark on a significant architectural redesign of their 187,000 square foot, six-floor office space. Instead of relocating, Vulcan chose to renovate, looking ahead to the next 30 years, and aiming to create a modern, healthy work environment for employees returning to the office.
Business Interiors, in partnership with MillerKnoll, is proud to have worked with Vulcan and WBA to provide the furnishings solutions for this project. Vulcan Materials’ goals for the renovation were clear: a complete overhaul of the office, including all new furnishings; redesigned workstations with lower panels, upgraded storage, and enhanced ergonomics; a variety of meeting areas to accommodate diverse work styles; integration of modern technology; and a sit-stand workstation or desk for every employee.
Working closely with Williams Blackstock Architects, BI worked diligently to achieve Vulcan’s vision. The architecture and interior design embraces biophilic principles, maximizing natural light and exterior views with open floor plans and glass-lined offices. The renovation opened up the office, creating longer sightlines from the building’s core to the windows and transforming both private and shared workspaces. Workstations were modernized for the post-COVID era, private offices were redesigned, and numerous collaborative and other meeting spaces, including centralized café and lounge areas, were added to accommodate returning employees and their varied work styles. MillerKnoll was a key partner in providing furniture solutions, with their brands comprising nearly 90% of the project’s furnishings.
The design also focused on creating a visually and culturally rich environment. Natural materials like concrete and stone reflect Vulcan’s identity while fostering collaboration and connection. Strong imagery and graphics from Vulcan’s quarries around the world appear throughout the building, celebrating the company’s culture, employees, and history. While incorporating current design trends regarding function and finish, the project prioritized the long-term durability of both the style and the furnishings themselves, ensuring they would remain relevant and functional for the next three decades.
Beyond the new additions, Business Interiors was also called to address the challenge of what to do with six floors of 30-year-old furniture. Business Interiors and MillerKnoll implemented a comprehensive furniture removal plan, achieving a 97% landfill diversion rate. The majority of the furniture was donated to numerous local charities, nonprofits, and civic organizations.
This project reflects Vulcan Materials’ commitment to providing an elevated workplace experience for their employees, and we are honored to have been a part of the project.
Photography by: Luker Photography
