Nexus of Design & Fabrication: A Timber Case Study at Hampshire College R.W. Kern Center

Join Bruner/Cott’s Christopher Nielson, AIA, LEED AP, and Bensonwood’s Chris Carbone, PE for an afternoon session at the 2018 Northeast Wood Design Symposium.

Abstract:

The R.W. Kern Center at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts is about much more than making a good impression on prospective students. Designed to be entirely self-sustaining and meet the rigorous requirements of the Living Building Challenge, the Kern Center aims to make a lasting impression on all who enter by demonstrating Hampshire’s commitment to a sustainable future and inspiring the next generation of leaders in environmentally-conscious practices. One of the means used to achieve these sustainability goals was a structure of glulam timber frame and exposed decking. This session, co-presented by the project architect and timber fabricator and erector, will include an overview of the timber engineering, design, and construction processes and unique level of coordination required to bring it to fruition. The presenters will also review factors that led to the choice of timber, detailing considerations in architecturally exposed timber structures, and lessons learned along the way.

View the entire symposium schedule here.