Long-time champions of timber construction and Canadian practice Michael Green ArchitectureĀ will soon break ground on North America's tallest woodenĀ building. Standing at 27.5 meters, the Wood Innovation Design Center (WIDC), Prince George, British Columbia, will exhibit wood as a sustainable building material widely availableĀ around the globe, and aims to improve the local lumber economy while standing as a testament to new construction possibilities.
The structure willĀ contain a mezzanine level, classrooms, offices, and a public gallery on the ground floor dedicated to the palpable experience of wood, lounges, and aĀ rooftop deck. Owned by the state, the project will also house the University of Northern British Columbiaās Masters of Engineering program, in additionĀ to private office and public spaces.
The structure will be made almost entirely of wood, save for metal connections and a concrete foundation. Even theĀ elevator core, which is traditionally made in concrete, will be made of thick timber panels whose density and size afford the appropriate fire-ratingĀ characteristics. The framing system allows for a greater faƧade transparency, accepting natural light and extending views with a low-emissivity glassĀ skin and opaque timber screens that help control solar gain. Floor and ceiling slabs will be composed of mass timber panels (MTP) that provide lateralĀ stability in addition to eliminating the need for surface finishes, and provide for many new design opportunities for future wood constructs.
Video walk-through:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=S2F3ssM61E0#!
Ā
(http://www.designboom.com/architecture/michael-green-architecture-widc-north-americas-tallest-wood-building/)
Related Stories
| Jan 9, 2012
Lutron appoints Pessina president
In his 35-year career with Lutron, Pessina has acquired broad experience in the engineering, quality assurance and manufacturing areas.Ā
| Jan 9, 2012
A new journey for KSS Architects co-founder
Kehrt's legacy of projects include Rutgers University's Biomedical Engineering Building, the renovation and expansion of Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, the recent new campus center at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Princeton Township's Municipal Complex.Ā
| Jan 8, 2012
TCA releases The Construction of Tilt-Up
The newest publication from the TCA is the second in a planned trilogy of resources covering the architecture, engineering and construction of Tilt-Up
| Jan 8, 2012
WHR Architects promotes Joel Colwell, AIA, to principal
With over 30 years of experience, Colwell has managed large-scale, complex projects for major healthcare systems as well as challenging smaller renovations and additions ā all with notable success.
| Jan 6, 2012
Doug Wignall named president of HDR Architecture
HDR Architecture, Inc. is known for its award-winning designs for urban environments, campuses and buildings in the healthcare, science and technology, civic, justice and higher education markets.
| Jan 6, 2012
Gensler unveils restoration and expansion of Houston's Julia Ideson building
The "new" building will serve as a repository of Houston memorabilia and rare archival material as well as the city's official reception space and a venue for exhibits, meetings and other special events.
| Jan 6, 2012
New Walgreen's represents an architectural departure
The structure's exterior is a major departure from the corporate image of a traditional Walgreens design.
| Jan 6, 2012
Summit Design+Build completes Park Place in Illinois
Summit was responsible for the complete gut and renovation of the former auto repair shop which required the partial demolition of the existing building, while maintaining the integrity of the original 100 year-old structure, and significant re-grading and landscaping of the site.
| Jan 4, 2012
Siemens acquires Pace Global Energy Services
Acquisition will enhance portfolio with new energy consulting and management services.