Seated on 11 acres of forest, the BB&T Leadership Institute is a retreat for a four-day leadership program hosted by the BB&T Leadership Institute. The built form of the building is intended to be reminiscent of the forest around it, reflecting the structure of a tree nestled into the forest. Surface 678 was able to preserve over 50 percent of the existing canopy and the entry drive was designed to be lush as it gives you glimpses of the building through the landscape. Two wetlands and one bioretention area are included as a part of the stormwater management on the site, featuring 90 percent native plants in the planting designs. The cleared trees from the site were used to create log retaining walls to assist with the slope as a part of the stormwater management. Trails that lead into the existing forest were also incorporated into the design, as well as a pedestrian bridge from the south wing that leads to a treehouse meeting room.
