Skanska is setting panels at Nashville’s newest mass-timber project located in Greenhills. While most mass-timber projects use Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for beams, columns, & floors; this project takes it to the next level by using it for the exterior walls as well. The cutting edge structure will soon become the future home of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT). The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has served as a leader in philanthropy for 30 years, bringing good people and good causes together in 43 counties in Middle Tennessee and Kentucky. The project is located at 3411 Belmont Avenue.
Manufactured by binderholz, CLT panels consist of layered lumber boards (usually three, five, or seven) stacked crosswise at 90-degree angles and glued into place . By bonding the longitudinal and transverse layers together, any warping, swelling, or shrinkage of the wood is reduced to a negligible level. The solid finished product is able to carry high loads, is fireproof, enables rapid construction without water, and has sound and heat insulating properties. It also regulates the humidity of the air inside the building, creating a comfortable and balanced climate – in both summer and winter.
The exterior of the building is wrapped in a traditional air and water barrier with a finished brick facade. The vertical metal stud shown in the picture above is to support the mock-up panel. In the installed condition, the metal stud will be a CLT Wall panel instead.
The interior of the building will be a mix of exposed CLT and other wall surfaces. The image above shows the lobby of the new building. The binderholtz panels are made of jus 0.6% environmentally friendly glue. When combined with other low VOC finish materials, it will contribute to a healthier indoor air quality.
Although the use of CLT wall panels is new to the region, Skanska is no stranger to the product. Skanska has built quite a few of these projects as it continues to gain popularity in the United States. Most recently, Skanska has completed mass-timber projects at Georgia Tech in Atlanta and The Public Safety Center in Beaverton, Oregon. Here’s the quick rundown:
Development Rundown
CFMT
- What’s Now: Previous State-owned Buildings.
- What’s Next: Office Development
- Owner: The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
- Architect: Tuck-Hinton
- Landscape: Hawkins Partners
- Civil: Barge Cauthen & Associates
- MEP: ICT
- Owners Rep: Commonwealth Development Group
- Contractor: Skanska
The 6-acre property, located near the Green Hills and Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhoods will feature a 18,500 SF, two-story office building. The building is capable of providing all workspace needs for the approximately 46-employee nonprofit organization.
The first level will feature a large lobby/reception area, a collection of conference rooms, library, and pantry. The large board room will feature an open gabled ceiling with large windows and a unique punched window at the roof peak.
The building then spans along Woodmont Blvd, with a collection of private offices and a large open office space which will showcase the CLT. There is also a bank of single-occupancy toilet rooms.
Both the elevator shaft and the stairs are also pre-manufactured CLT. According to Skanska, the Metro Codes required the elevator shaft receive a coat for fire-retardant paint, as an added layer of protection.
The second level of the building also has a conference room and features spaces which open up to the 1st floor. There is also a collection of both private offices and an open office area.
The other great benefit of CLT walls is the ability maximize the open ceiling areas without a lot of intermediate column supports. Combined with the efficient thermal properties of CLT , it will deliver a unique, visually appealing building experience.
Construction Update
The Skanska Team is currently in the panel erection stages for the building exterior with beams and columns being installed in the interior. Because the building is pre-manufactured all of the MEP has to be coordinated before hand. Although there is a tolerance for post installed changes, it could impact the finish quality.
The exterior site grading is substantially complete as there was previously a building on the site. Since the raw wood surface will become the finished product, special care is taken to protect the wall surfaces during construction. During the hardhat tour, you can see Skanska’s expertise and quality control in the installation and handling of the CLT products.
Here is a look at the current construction progress.
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