US retailer Walmart has begun opening its new, 350-acre headquarters campus in Bentonville, Arkansas, saying its 12 office buildings constitute the “largest application of mass timber” in the country.
Around 1.7 million cubic feet of regionally-sourced lumber was used in the Gensler-designed ‘New Home Office’ complex, which also has an amphitheatre, auditorium, hotel, food hall, childcare centre and shops.
Greenery will cover half the estate, which also has 13 acres of lakes, 11km of pedestrian paths and bike trails, rentable bikes and electric vehicle charging stations.
The campus has been designed to run on renewable energy and to achieve LEED Platinum certification.
Work on the development began in 2019, when Walmart’s existing buildings were demolished and recycled. The phased opening will continue throughout 2025.
Doug McMillon, Walmart’s chief executive, said: “Our new Home Office honours our heritage and the contributions that generations of associates have made to help people save and have a better life.
“Our founder, Sam Walton, knew that when we all work together, ideas flourish, and this campus will allow us to keep making a positive difference in our customers’ lives for generations to come.”
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