Auburn, AL
Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Environmental Education Building
Scope/Solutions
Promoting learning with a focus on nature, the new Environmental Education Building 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 preschool was inspired by its surroundings with a butterfly‑shaped roof, an exposed timber structure, and other sustainable design features. SGH served as the structural engineer of record for the project.
Conceptualized to fit within the context of the preserve and its network of trails, the building follows the shape of a central spine with classrooms and porches branching off along the way. 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, allowing natural light into the 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
2024
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
Davidson College, Interdisciplinary Science Center
Looking to expand and bring a more interdisciplinary approach to academics, Davidson College built the E. Craig Wall Academic Center. SGH was the structural engineer for the project and consulted on the building enclosure.
Southeast
Greenville Technical College, Prisma Health Center
When it opened, the new Prisma Health Center for Health & Life Sciences became the college's largest facility on its four campuses. SGH consulted on the building enclosure design for the project.