Tour of PSU Schnitzer School of Art + Design: A Look @ Mass Timber

This unique educational event will provide an in-depth look at Portland State University’s new Schnitzer School of Art + Design in Oregon. Designers of the 4-story, 104,000 sf building embraced pre-coordination and repetition in their design of the CLT panels and glulam framing to create a highly economical and sustainable project for the building’s owners/tenants. Attendees will tour the site with members of the project team, who will share strategies for successful, code-compliant mass timber projects, including insight on design, detailing, and construction techniques utilized throughout the building. The tour format encourages questions and discussion, and attendees can expect to leave with insights on the project’s design, execution, and factors that influenced material and detail selection.

The new Portland State University (PSU) Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design is a 104,000 sq. ft. mass timber building designed as a sustainable hub that unifies the school by housing all three disciplines under one roof.

The frame consists of CLT and glulam beams and columns, with a structural steel brace frame. The timber frame is comprised entirely of regionally-sourced Douglas Fir, including over 350 beams, 380 columns, and 98,000 sq. ft. of CLT. Over 50% of the glue laminated components are sourced from local, tribally-owned enterprises. The building will feature studios, classrooms, and galleries and connect the university to the City of Portland’s Green Loop and other culture-making institutions along the Park Blocks.

Please join us after the tour for a networking happy hour.

Host: Kate Carrigg, PE | WoodWorks

Tour Guides:

• Bryce Tolene – Senior Associate, LEVER

• Michael Gastineau – Associate, LEVER

• Anne Monnier, PE, SE, Principal, KPFF

• Cameron Dixon – Project Manager, Swinerton

• Zachary Rappaport – Senior Project Manager, Swinerton

• Taylor Cabot, Senior Preconstruction Manager, Timberlab

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss typical construction practices for mass timber and steel hybrid projects, including safety best practices, installation efficiency, and coordination with follow-on trades.
2. Highlight a variety of structural and architectural uses of CLT panels and glulam / wood framing through an in-person tour of a completed project, highlighting the biophilic and sustainable benefits of wood framing for occupants and visitors.
3. Demonstrate connection detailing techniques used in code-compliant mass timber buildings to ensure appropriate structural capacity, fire resistance, and consideration of the project construction type.
4. Explain the diverse methods of project development and approaches used by the design team, including owners, contractors, architects, and engineers, to achieve a successful mass timber project.

PPE: Please bring your own PPE: hard hat, vest, safety glasses, closed-toe shoes. Limited quantities will be available onsite.

Credits: Attendees can earn 1 HSW

Location:

PSU Schnitzer School of Art + Design

701 SW Jackson

Portland, OR 97201

Map & Directions

Parking:

Highly recommend ride shares and public transportation

• PSU Public Parking Lots/Street Parking

• Closest is 1872 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Jaime Krohn, CMP | jaime@woodworks.org | (312) 841-8272

Image: Flor Projects