Photo: Alexander C. Schreyer, m.a.sc., dipl.-ing.

John W. Olver Design Building

Amherst, Massachusetts

Located in Amherst, the University of Massachusetts has established a new design pavilion. The University decided to use wood as the main structural material in order to have a sustainable structure respectful of the environment. Comprising three different hybrid elements—wood-concrete, steel-concrete, and steel-wood, the pavilion incorporates the latest technology in the field of structural building design. Floors are made with a composite system of cross-laminated timber panels mechanically fastened to a concrete slab using innovative connectors, a first in the United States. This pavilion is a teaching demonstration of the potential for using different building materials in the same project.


Environmental Building Declaration Summary


Video - UMass Design Building presented by UMass Amherst


Video - Interior construction timelaps filmed on the 7th of march


Video - UMass Design Building presented by the project team members

Award or Achievement

2018 Wood Design Awards,
Jury's Choice for Wood Innovation

Article

WoodWorks – University of Massachusetts
Owner

University of Massachusetts

Architecture

Leers Weinzapfel Associates

Structure

Equilibrium Consulting, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Carbon Benefit

2,676 t CO2 equ.

Completion

2017