Phoenixville YMCA - June 17, 2008 - Bringing the outdoors in
The YMCA in Phoenixville, PA needed to expand its quarters to accommodate growth but at the same time wanted to create a beautiful space that lent itself to a variety of public and YMCA specific activities. Bill Kramer and George Marks of Kramer/Marks P.C. Architects envisioned an open entry area that brought the outdoors in with massive tree like trusses and vast expanses of glass. The upper level running track is designed to give the athelete the feeling of running through the tree branches. What better way to imitate trees than with timber framing.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc assembled and raised the five main and two small entry ‘tree’ trusses in the field and installed the 19,100 square feet of laminated yellow pine decking over the trusses. The curves were manufactured by Unadilla Laminated Products of glued-laminated southern yellow pine.
Traditionally a hand-cut timber framing company, Hugh Lofting Timber framing has developed strategic partnerships with several glued-laminated manufacturers and has developed the in-house installation expertise to make large scale, commercial projects a part of the custom, personalized services it can offer clients.
“This project provided lots of challenges for our team,” says Hugh Lofting, company president, “but our client, Warfel Construction, is very happy and has asked us to construct and raise the additional trusses required to complete the project.”
Team:
Bill Kramer and George Marks; Kramer/Marks P.C. Architects AIA
Warfel Construction Company, East Petersburg, PA
Unidilla Laminated Products, Unadilla, NY
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc, Kennett Square, PA
Company Information
For over 30 years, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc has been committed to the highest level of professionalism. Incorporating advanced technology with old world craftsmanship, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. is dedicated to hand-crafting energy-efficient homes and structures that are elegant and distinctive. One at a time.
