Our design team realized early on that this project was a great fit for the 3-ply CLT decking and glulam beam system given the architectural form of the roofline and goal of creating an open lobby and community space in the area where this technology was used. The client and design team agreed on goals of sustainability, introducing novel concepts/technologies, and to design with materials that would allow for a wide range of local sub-contractors. Jeff Peters and the Woodworks team was able to help our design team each step along the way, from basic fundamentals on the span characteristics of the CLT decking as well as how to use the materials to reduce the number of glulams needed during schematic design, working with our structural engineer on collaboration calls, and ultimately in helping to provide us with suppliers and specs during the permit/bidding phase of the project.

The overall building uses traditional wood framing techniques, using conventional wood stud exterior walls and pre-engineered roof trusses for 2/3rd of the building, with the remainder showcasing the CLT/glulam system. The value to cost trade-off made sense given the open feel to the design in the lobby and community room, with large expanses of glazing and a sloping roofline that takes advantage of northern daylight and views. In this case, the CLT/glulam system became the final finish of the ceiling system without the need for additional finishes, adding warmth and visual interest to the spaces. Our design/build team and the client were very pleased to have been able to use this technology to create a beautiful building and meaningful spaces for the community, while also staying on the project budget and schedule.