flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Clemson's new Outdoor Education Center uses a Mass Timber Structural System

University Buildings

Clemson's new Outdoor Education Center uses a Mass Timber Structural System

Cooper Carry designed the project.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | May 19, 2020
Clemson's Outdoor Education Center

All photos: Jonathan Hillyer

Clemson University's 16,000-sf Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center has become the first mass timber structure on the campus and the second mass timber facility in the nation to use Southern yellow pine as the primary building material. The project is located at the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex.

Designed to enhance the opportunities of Clemson students to achieve mental and physical wellness through interaction with nature,  the Center comprises two multi-use classroom studios capable of supporting activities such as yoga, rowing, wellness seminars, nutrition, expedition planning, and other events. The facility also includes a resource for trip planning, equipment rentals, a bike repair/rental shop, a boathouse, a covered patio, a lounge, and a second-level deck overlooking Lake Hartwell.

 

People carrying a boat in front of the Clemson's Outdoor Education Center

 

The boathouse, which provides storage for rental kayaks, paddleboards, and rafts, is enclosed in passively ventilated skin of local cypress. The cypress skin helps to enhance the visual appeal and sustainability of the building.

The building is positioned to be net-zero ready and has the potential to be operated off-grid with the installation of photovoltaics. Sustainable elements include expansive windows that offer natural daylight, sensor-controlled lighting, and large-scale fans that help reduce cooling loads. Passive cooling is used for boat storage spaces.

 

See Also: Erudite eSports: Colleges build their very own eSports arenas

 

The Center supports student engagement with nature by anchoring a master planned precinct on campus, which includes 14,000 sf of synthetic turf fields for intramural and club sports, woodlands for hikes, beaches, and lake access for water activities. Additionally, the building's covered terrace and second-level roof deck overlook the lake and provide opportunities for people to access the exterior environment.

 

Outdoor Education Center at night

 

Outdoor Education Center interior

 

Covered patio space

Related Stories

Education Facilities | Jan 8, 2018

Three former school buildings are repurposed to create mini-campus for teacher education

The $25.3 million project is currently under construction on the Winona State University campus.

Healthcare Facilities | Jan 6, 2018

A new precision dental center embodies Columbia University’s latest direction for oral medicine education

The facility, which nests at “the core” of the university’s Medical Center, relies heavily on technology and big data. 

Big Data | Jan 5, 2018

In the age of data-driven design, has POE’s time finally come?

At a time when research- and data-based methods are playing a larger role in architecture, there remains a surprisingly scant amount of post-occupancy research. But that’s starting to change.

Mixed-Use | Jan 5, 2018

USC Village is the largest development in the history of the University of Southern California

USC Village comprises six buildings and 1.25 million sf.

Adaptive Reuse | Jan 4, 2018

Student housing development on Chapman University campus includes adaptive reuse of 1918 packing house

The Packing House was originally built for the Santiago Orange Growers Association.

University Buildings | Dec 20, 2017

New residence hall to house 500 students at Duke University

The project was designed by William Rawn Architects and will be built by Skanska.

University Buildings | Dec 4, 2017

The University of Nebraska’s new College of Business building highlights entrepreneur alumni and corporate leaders

Numerous storytelling spaces and displays are located throughout the building.

Wood | Nov 30, 2017

The first large-scale mass timber residence hall in the U.S. is under construction at the University of Arkansas

Leers Weinzapfel Associates, Modus Studio, Mackey Mitchell Architects, and OLIN collaborated on the design.

University Buildings | Nov 28, 2017

FXFOWLE and CO Architects collaborate on Columbia University School of Nursing building

The building has a ‘collaboration ribbon’ that runs throughout the building.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021