GSSEM Case Study

GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

NEW HEADQUARTERS EXEMPLIFIES MISSION Community Goals In the center of Detroit’s most dynamic Eastern Market and Arena Districts stands the newly renovated headquarters for the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM). Formerly the location of the historic Stroh’s Brewery, GSSEM’s central location inspired design partners from Davis & Davis and the Girl Scouts to create an invigorating and vibrant interior space equal to the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and Girl Scout mission – to “[build] girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.”

Throughout the year, Girl Scout members and volunteers achieve this goal through involvement in community projects and activities with an emphasis on nature and outdoor survival. During these projects, the youth work together and build friendships while enjoying fun and adventurous experiences."

The design challenge for Davis & Davis and the Girl Scouts was to emulate these characteristics throughout the built environment. “We knew it was paramount for the design to capture the essence of the Girl Scout mission while incorporating fun outdoor elements and youthful energy embodied in its 30,000 members,” shares Krystel Robinson, Interior Designer at Davis & Davis.

Dependable Partnerships When deciding which surfaces would satisfy these ambitious goals, Davis & Davis chose to use Wilsonart® Laminate and Quartz due to the abundant variety of current patterns and fresh colors available for each product; while also remarking on Wilsonart’s reputation for reliable quality and service.

“Wilsonart products have consistently met or exceeded our performance expectations for interior finishes. They are reliable and durable, and we knew these products would guarantee a high level of quality and ensure functionality for the spaces where they would be installed."

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"Also, having an effective relationship with our product representative at Wilsonart gave us the ability to quickly and efficiently get samples, pricing, and advice on the newest and most appropriate products for our designs.”

Krystel Robinson Interior Designer at Davis & Davis

Fresh Design Since this project required out-of-the-box, on-brand interior finishes, “We decided to leverage laminate that embodied the freshness of nature through the use of earthy wood tones, lively blues and greens. Using bright whites, we also created a sense of lightness and airiness reminiscent of sunlit clouds, while vibrant colors and fun patterns inspired the playfulness often associated with youth,” said Krystel.

Bringing in elements of Biophilic Design, Asian Sun laminate features a linear bamboo woodgrain pattern and realistic Linearity finish for an extra level of depth on the café’s lower cabinets, under-counter, and bench millwork in the open office space. While the upper cabinets and countertops in the café, quiet room and celebrated cookie closet feature Island laminate – a bright green color that promotes energy and perfectly coordinates with Girl Scouts’ brand identity.

Wilsonart® Quartz in Arlington provides a grey tone with a subtle shimmer that cohesively blends the island countertops and vertical services with the wood tones, bright colors, and polished concrete floors. Tying it all together, the clean white and small-scale Lorraine quartz finishes off the space with a simple, yet beautiful surface for the café countertops and backsplash.

www.wilsonart.com | 1-800-433-3222