Software created by Microsoft transformed the way businesses operate on a day-to-day basis. However, before 2011 the nearly 1,000 employees were spread throughout five leased buildings in Seattle - a situation that Melinda Gates wanted to change. Her vision resulted in the opening of a 900,000-square-foot (83,000 m2) headquarters for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the heart of Seattle in 2011.
Built at a cost of $500 million, the headquarters comprises two office buildings, a reception area and a visitor's centre. Features of the interior include glass, steel and expansive daylight. About 42,000 square feet (3,900 m2) of beautiful end-grain alder wood flooring has been installed and finished with WOCA Master Oil and WOCA High Solid Master Oil. Specially developed WOCA aftercare products are used for regular cleaning and maintenance.
