At 156,000 square feet, the First Tech Federal Credit Union headquarters will be the largest cross-laminated timber structure in the country. Photo: E. Van Rossen for Swinerton
Portland-based architect, HACKER, who saw mass timber as a crucial part of the overall development strategy for the First Tech project. Em- phasizing energy efficiency, indoor air quality, equal access to natural light, and the value of connecting people with nature, HACKER recog- nized the benefits of the building material from the beginning. However, HACKER needed to optimize ways to integrate mass tim- ber as the structural solution for this particular structure. To better understand how to leverage the value and strength of mass timber in this project, Swinerton committed to researching alternative structur- al scenarios that compared structural steel and nail-laminated timber (NLT) to CLT. Swinerton and HACKER were able to recommend CLT to the client for this project by unlocking several strengths of the CLT panels. Running in both directions, Structurlam’s CrossLam CLT panels simplified the edge details of the building, were incorporated as the structural diaphragm of the building for earthquake stability, and pro- vided a lighter overall structural system, obviating the need for costly
ground improvements or deep foundations. Because of the precision with which the CLT panels can be fabricated, virtual design and con- struction could be leveraged to produce more than 4,500 mechanical/ electrical/plumbing (MEP) penetrations in the factory, reducing field time for follow-on trades. After an in-depth research period, Swinerton’s core team took a trip to Canada, where more CLT projects had been completed. Their pur- pose was to gain a better understanding of constructability aspects and considerations for CLT and its installation. Swinerton focused its visit to Kelowna, Penticton, and Okanagan Falls on not only Structurlam’s facilities and detailing group, but also by visiting construction sites and meeting with general contractors familiar with CLT installation. The design Following the research period, the Swinerton team partnered with Structurlam Products to harness the benefits of a glulam and CLT structure through a holistic approach to design and construction. Structurlam provided the design of concealed glulam connections and
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