Auburn, AL
Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool
Scope/Solutions
Created to promote education focusing on nature, the new Woodland Wonder Nature Preschool is located in the The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center—a 120 acre property donated to Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. The building is inspired by nature with a butterfly‑shaped roof, an exposed timber structure, and other sustainable design features. SGH was the structural engineer of record for the project.
SGH designed the structure for the new building comprising:
- Cantilevering roofs constructed with point-supported, cross laminated timber (CLT) to create the butterfly shape
- An exposed wood structure comprising glued-laminated timber (glulams) and CLT
- A large exterior deck constructed with dimensional lumber and wood decking
- Wood-framed and CLT shear walls for the lateral-load-resisting system
- Structural columns integrated with the glass facade at classroom spaces
Rendering by Leers Weinzapfel Associates
Rendering by Leers Weinzapfel Associates
Rendering by Leers Weinzapfel Associates
Rendering by Leers Weinzapfel Associates
1 of 4
Project Summary
2023
Completion Date
3.5
Project Size
Award
Winner
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Structures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Leers Weinzapfel Associates
Specialized Capabilities
Building Design
Key team members
Additional Projects
Southeast
Duke University, Environment Hall
Environment Hall serves as the new home of Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and houses academic offices, teaching spaces, laboratories, and an eighty-seat lecture hall. SGH was the structural engineer for the project.
Southeast
University of South Florida, Judy Genshaft Honors College Building
The new five-story academic building includes flexible classrooms, collaboration areas, and focused studio space for the university's honors students and faculty. SGH provided fire life safety consulting services for the project.