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

Project Summary

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2024

Completion Date
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3.5

Project Size
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Award

Winner
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Structures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Leers Weinzapfel Associates
Specialized Capabilities
Building Design

Key team members

Paul Kassabian
Principal
781.907.9258 pekassabian@sgh.com

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