Kootenai Electric Cooperative HQ

After more than 40 years of growth at their original office, Kootenai Electric Cooperative recognized the need to expand their facilities beyond the limits of their original site location. They needed a new headquarters designed for both administration and operations on a 44-acre site to provide them room to grow well into the future.

This new build project enabled M+H Architects to collaborate with KEC in designing a facility that combines the beauty of traditional Pacific Northwest architecture with the functionality required by their crews to serve over 30,000 members throughout Northwest Idaho. The use of heavy timbers, masonry, exposed steel structure, and large expanses of glazed openings creates a warm and welcoming environment for both visiting members and employees.

The interior architecture of the new HQ is designed to foster spontaneous interactions among employees in cozy, nature-inspired spaces. The heart of the building is the Town Center, featuring a spacious coffee bar, print room, and grand staircase. A multi-purpose boardroom offers large windows with views of Rathdrum landscape, while exposed structural elements ensure a grounded feel within the space.