Writers Theatre

The architectural identity of this three-story, Type VA Writers Theatre is strongly connected to the form and function of its public lobby, which is wrapped by a wooden Canopy Walk. The Canopy Walk is hung from primary glulam roof beams with 2”x3” wood tension battens. The battens are made locally from sustainable Port Orford cedar, which has exceptionally straight grain and is naturally rot resistant. The screen pattern follows the load path of the structure. The battens are bundled at beams to minimize the load at mid-span and offset to distribute the load evenly. In addition to adding drama to the space, the use of repetitive wood members as both structure and shading improves the building’s environmental embodied and operating energy performance, contributing to the targeted LEED Gold certification. Estimated construction cost: $722/sf