Exterior elevation of Dolese building

Case Study Dolese

Founded in 1902, Dolese is the largest regional supplier of ready-mix concrete, sand, crushed stone, concrete block, and other foundational construction materials in Oklahoma. Dolese is a company of people dedicated to building communities from the ground up. The company’s plants and quarries produce more than concrete, sand, crushed stone, and concrete block products. Dolese also provides innovative solutions that help build skyscrapers, homes, communities, and infrastructure—including roads and bridges.

Location

Oklahoma City, OK

Project Specs

Construction Materials Supplier
Building Size: 77,773 sq. ft.
3 Levels
Employees: 1,000+

Design Firm

Butzer Architecture and Urbanism

Dealer Partner

FMG

Showcasing Brand and Strengthening Organizational Culture

By thoughtfully incorporating the building materials Dolese supplies to others, the architecture of the company’s new building serves as both an office and showplace. Exposed concrete walls and polished aggregate floors highlight the beauty of natural materials that come from the Earth. Geological references are juxtaposed with elements of wood and light that create a sense of refinement within the space.

Brand is recognized using accent colors in elements like exterior panels and interior tiles, along with graphics of stones in unexpected places—like conference room tables. Strategically placed wall graphics communicate and reinforce company values to strengthen organizational culture. 

Haworth Maari chairs in white being used in Dolese workspace

Designed to Nurture Connection and Collaboration

As part of the design process, team location assignments received particular attention. Departments with shared goals—like health, safety, and environmental—are placed together to support collaboration. Sales and financial services, which interact with visiting customers, are located near the building entrance.

From one level to another, people experience the building as if they are moving through the strata of the Earth. A building within the building, called The Gem, provides a light-filled space with digitally programmed, color-changing walls where people—the true treasure at Dolese—gather for celebrations and meetings.

On the lower level of The Gem, “mission control” serves as the dispatch center that keeps trucks and materials moving across nearly 340,000 square-miles. The middle level is used primarily for collaborative spaces, including the employee lounge, meeting rooms, and flexible spaces for multiple purposes. The top level of The Gem houses the training and event room which is designed for large employee gatherings and community events.

A patio outside The Gem is furnished with casual seating and tables, acting as a place for both connecting and relaxing. 

Haworth Zody chair and workstations being used in Dolese workspace

A Space Focused on Employee Well-Being and Engagement

Dolese’s new office is designed and built to WELL Building Standards, putting employee well-being first. An advanced HVAC system uses HEPA filters and UV lights to kill airborne viruses as air passes through.

Attention to individual workstations resulted in higher panels for privacy and focus work.
Optimized lighting that is easier on the eyes and height-adjustable tables for better posture and movement provide employees additional support while they work.

People enjoy a variety of open spaces that promote well-being through rest and rejuvenation throughout the building, including indoor living rooms, break areas, outdoor patios, and shuffleboards.   

“The best decision was to start in a new place and build the space that we need for our groups that provide support services to those people working in the field. As people come back to the office, they're excited to be here. There's enough room for us to be spread out—the hallways are roomy and there's a good air system. People feel comfortable being here. They can find a space to be separate, but still collaborate and work with each other.”

Mark Helm

President, Dolese

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