Shepherd University

Project Team

Structural Engineer: Robert Silman Associates
Owner: Shepherd University
Architect: Holzman Moss Architects LLP
General Contractor: Callas Contractors, Inc.
Steel Joist Manufacturer: Canam
Steel Detailer: CANAM Steel Fabricator: CANAM
Steel Erector: Somerset Steel Erection Co.

Project Type: Unique Application
 

Project Description

This new, 44,200 square foot visual arts building is the first of three buildings to be built as part of the Shepherd University Center for Contemporary Arts. This new building contains 10 classrooms, including a digital photo processing studio, a printmaking studio, and a studio with a suspended floor for dancers, while also housing administrative offices for the arts, theater, and Contemporary American Theater Festival. The building was designed in such a way as to allow passersby to view artwork in the making. The site is steeply graded on one edge and integral with the existing campus on the other sides.

What Makes This Project Interesting

The main feature of this building is the roof profile with consists of curved portions, sloped portions and portions interrupted by clearstories. By emulating the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, the roof form is intended to be the unifying element for both interior and exterior. The difference in roof elevation from low point to high point varies by as much as twelve feet, and the structure of the roof is made up of exposed curved wood tongue and groove deck supported on a skewed steel joist frame spaced at 5’-0” on center. The steel joist span as much as 51 ft bear on CMU at the perimeter and a series of curved and sloped steel beams at the interior.

Advantages Of The Chosen Structural System

There were several advantages to using a steel joist system for the roof frame: •The lighter weight of the individual elements of the steel joists allowed for easier roof construction. •The roof profile resulted in a significant variation in snow loading, and with the steel joists we were able to keep the joist a regular depth allowing for a more consistent look for the structure below. •The profile of the joist top chord allowed for a simile connection for a simple bolted nailer connection for the tongue and grove wood decking.

Project Scope

This first building in the Shepherd University Center for Contemporary Arts complex consists of 44,200 square feet of space built on a $10 million budget. The site is steeply graded on one edge and integral with the existing campus on the other sides. The new building houses administrative offices for the arts, theater, and Contemporary American Theater Festival, along with studio spaces for photography; rehearsal space; and painting, drawing, and printmaking.

Project Details

Project Construction Cost: $10,000,000
Joist cost, including fabrication and erection: $425,000
Size (square ft.): 45,000
Roof area using joists (square ft.): 18,120
Joist area (square ft.): 18,700
Joist engineering to delivery (# days): 250
Joist erection (# days): 16

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