The new White Lake Township Hall presented a unique design and engineering challenge, ultimately resulting in a refined and expressive mass timber structure. To resolve complex connection details within the original design, Schaefer was brought on board to lead the delegated engineering effort. Their team developed a smart, cost-effective solution for the concealed truss connections—utilizing Rothoblaas screws to achieve the desired aesthetic without the need for bulky knife plates. 

The building features double-height spaces, exposed CLT shear walls in the office areas, and hundreds of off-the-shelf concealed beam hangers from Simpson Strong-Tie, demonstrating how standard components can provide elegant, reliable solutions for complex connections. Perched on a beautiful wooded site, the new township hall celebrates warmth, openness, and the natural character of mass timber—serving as a striking civic landmark for the community of White Lake.