case study

ORNL Federal Credit Union

Decatur Micro Branch | Design Build

the goal

Preserve access to financial services in a rural community while creating a sustainable model for small-market expansion.

Project Background

When ORNL Federal Credit Union’s existing Decatur branch reached the end of its useful life, the credit union had to decide whether to reinvest in the market or consolidate service elsewhere.

ORNL chose to stay, replacing the aging branch with a more sustainable model designed specifically for a smaller community.

The challenge was finding a way to maintain convenient, personal service without relying on the operating model of a traditional full-service branch. ORNL needed a branch that could serve the community sustainably today while creating room to grow with future demand.

Rather than simply designing a smaller branch, ORNL and Momentum rethought the service model for smaller markets.

Right-sizing the Branch Experience

Momentum had previously worked with ORNL to develop its full-scale prototype branch. The Decatur concept began with that established member experience, then distilled it into a compact 750-square-foot footprint.

The goal was not to give members in a smaller market a lesser version of the ORNL experience. The team instead identified which services required an in-person presence and which could be delivered more efficiently through technology.

Live-teller ITMs provide extended drive-through service throughout the week and on Saturdays, while the lobby opens for scheduled in-person services including lending and instant-issue debit cards.

Small Footprint, Bigger Impact

The Decatur branch was delivered at approximately 35% of the cost of a traditional full-service branch, helping ORNL make continued investment in a smaller market financially sustainable.

The team used prefabricated components, including cross-laminated timber and panelized construction, to simplify the build and shorten the schedule.

The branch was also designed to make the most of its highly visible location, using prominent digital signage to create a strong ORNL presence despite its compact footprint.

Since opening, usage has increased enough that ORNL is considering adding another in-person service day. The Decatur concept is now helping inform future small-market locations, with lessons from the first branch being used to further refine the model.