Boston, MA

Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Tree House

Scope/Solutions

Designed by ADD Inc., the new residence hall at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is inspired by Gustav Klimt’s 1909 Tree of Life painting as a symbol of growth and change. The building, known as the Tree House, features a facade with approximately 5,500 smooth metal panels of varying widths and customized colors to represent the painting’s hues. The architect chose metal panels for their flexibility in size, depth, and color options, as well as for economy. SGH consulted on the design and installation of exterior wall systems and other building enclosure systems.

SGH collaborated with ADD Inc. to design the building enclosure. We helped select metal panel and fenestration systems and reviewed drawings and specifications throughout the design process.

We also provided construction phase support including reviewing submittals and shop drawings, coordinating mockups, testing the performance of installed windows and curtain walls, and observing the building enclosure during construction. SGH used computer tablets to document our field observations with locations and photos of non-compliance issues. We uploaded this information directly into the contractor’s software program. The various trades used this software to review and close out items by uploading photos of the corrected work for us to review remotely.

Project Summary

completion-date

2012

Completion Date
award-winner

Award

Winner
construction-value

52M

Construction Value
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Building Enclosures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Daedalus Projects, Inc. | ADD Inc.
Specialized Capabilities
Facades & Glazing

Key team members

Jeffry Ceruti
Jeffry Ceruti
Senior Principal