Groton Hill Music Center: A Mass Timber Symphony

Nestled in the heart of Groton, Massachusetts, the Groton Hill Music Center stands as a testament to the transformative potential of mass timber construction. Completed in 2023, this 126,000 square foot, three-story architectural masterpiece pushes the boundaries of timber design, creating a space where structure and sound intertwine to elevate the musical experience.

The center, a product of the collaborative genius of Epstein Joslin Architects and Odeh Engineers (now part of WSP), draws inspiration from the region's agricultural heritage, echoing the form of interconnected farm buildings clad in natural materials. The design seamlessly integrates performance spaces with the surrounding landscape, blurring the lines between the built and natural environment.

A Showcase of Mass Timber Innovation

The structure's defining feature is its exposed mass timber, which is prominently displayed throughout. Southern Yellow Pine, selected for its warmth, sustainability, and regional resonance, forms the backbone of this innovative structure.

Unalam, a leading glulam manufacturer, was crucial in bringing this timber vision to life. "We are a glue-laminated timber manufacturer, so we take dimensional lumber that you could get at the regular hardware store, we finger joint it end to end so that we can make it as long as we need, and then we glue it together to make the products as big as they need to be for the building," - Craig Van Cott , President at Unalam .?

The project utilized a variety of mass timber elements, including:

• Glue-Laminated Timber (GLT or glulam): Used for columns, beams, and decking, showcasing both straight and curved forms.
• GLT Decking: Forming the walls and ceilings, adding a rustic yet elegant aesthetic.
• Timber-Frame/Post and Beam: Employed strategically to support overhanging canopies and create tree-like structures.

The sheer scale of timber used in the project was unprecedented for a performance space. The concert hall alone incorporated approximately 1 million board feet of glulam, a testament to the project's commitment to sustainable construction. This choice resulted in the sequestration of over 2,300 tons of carbon dioxide.?

Where Structure Becomes Music

The mass timber structure isn't merely a visual element; it's integral to the spaces' acoustic performance. In collaboration with Threshold Acoustics, the design team meticulously shaped the timber elements to achieve optimal sound diffusion and reverberation.

With its high-arching glulam columns and curved timber ceiling, the concert hall creates an immersive acoustic environment that envelopes the audience in sound. David Odeh, Senior Vice President, WSP USA BUILDINGS INC. , explains, "The layout of the high arching columns in the concert hall was determined by their interaction with the acoustic performance of the space."

This innovative use of mass timber for acoustic purposes has earned praise from industry experts.

Alan Joslin, FAIA , Principal-in-Charge of Architectural Design at Epstein Joslin Architects, notes, "At the heart of this project is a close collaboration between architect, acoustician, and structural engineer based on a shared commitment to honesty in expression of purpose, aesthetics, structure, and finish. What appears to be a sculpture of glue laminated timber and GLT wood decking, has been informed by the strict demands of world-class natural acoustics, and the efficiently ordered use of structure for stability and visual ornamentation."

A Symphony of Collaboration

The Groton Hill Music Center's success hinges on the remarkable collaboration between diverse teams. The project brought together architects, engineers, acousticians, contractors, and timber specialists, each playing a crucial role in realizing the ambitious vision.

WSP, which is responsible for structural engineering, emphasizes the importance of communication and feedback. "We talked to different users to understand how they would experience the building," says David Odeh . This user-centric approach led to a virtual reality model, which allows musicians to experience the concert hall and provide feedback early in the design process.

Unalam highlights the significance of early engagement with the glulam fabricator. Lance Aleksiewicz , Project Manager at WSP, states, "We designed everything with their support and guidance on how glulam members are fabricated, detailed, and erected. Engaging the glulam fabricator early in the design stage, rather than waiting until the design was complete, was key to the project's success."

The result of this collaborative effort is a building that not only meets the functional needs of a world-class music center but also serves as an inspiring testament to the potential of mass timber construction. The project showcases timber's beauty, versatility, and sustainability, proving its suitability for even the most demanding acoustic environments.

A Legacy of Music and Innovation

The Groton Hill Music Center stands as a resounding success, earning accolades from both the music and architecture communities.

Bruce Hangen , conductor of the Vista Philharmonic Orchestra, describes the experience of rehearsing in the new hall as "cathartic," stating, "It just feels spectacular. There’s room to play for the musicians. They can hear each other. Much like Symphony Hall, the sound carries out into the audience. For all the thousand seats in there, it’s so intimate. Wherever you are sitting, you feel like you’re really part of what’s going on stage."

Lee Eiseman, writing for The Boston Musical Intelligencer, praises the architectural design, noting, "The intersections of curves in the massive timbers and the absence of polygonal geometry led to an organic sense of being in a forest with a distant sky for a canopy."

The Groton Hill Music Center serves as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating the possibilities of mass timber construction in creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces. It's a testament to the power of collaboration, the artistry of engineering, and the enduring legacy of music.

Working in unison, this impressive roster of talent brought to life a project that resonates with innovation, sustainability, and the enduring power of music.

Project Team and Contributors:

• Owner: Groton Hill Music Center
• Project Manager: ShepCo, Inc.
• Structural Consultant: Unalam
• Mass Timber Supplier: Unalam
• Architect: Epstein Joslin Architects
• Acoustic/AV Consultant: Threshold Acoustics
• General Contractor: Goguen Construction, Inc.
• Mass Timber Installation: Lonsdale Construction Inc
• Structural Engineer: Odeh Engineers, Inc. (now part of WSP)
• Photography Credits: Robert Benson Photography

This is a partial list of all the individuals and organizations contributing to the Groton Hill Music Center project. In the comments section, please let us know if you contributed in any way.

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