Gianforte Hall: Montana State University
Elevating the Future of Computing at MSU
Gianforte Hall represents a transformative addition to the Montana State University School of Computing. As the university’s first mass timber structure, this 55,000-square-foot facility serves as a world-class multidisciplinary hub for technology, learning, and research. Designed to challenge industry stereotypes and foster a more diverse student cohort, the hall reinforces MSU’s position as a national leader in computing while anchoring the campus in a legacy of sustainable, biophilic design.
A Sustainable Synthesis of Land and Technology
The project is a testament to the interplay between Montana’s varied landscapes and the digital world. By utilizing exposed mass timber and optimized daylighting, the design creates an inviting, biophilic environment that promotes student well-being and academic thriving. Every space within the building is designed to optimize natural light, while the interior color palette and the warmth of the exposed wood provide an inspiring backdrop for the next generation of tech innovators.
Project Highlights
Regional Stewardship: The structure features a deep commitment to local sourcing, utilizing timber from Montana mills. The high-performance glulam columns and beams were manufactured by SmartLam in Columbia Falls, MT, minimizing the project’s carbon footprint and supporting the regional economy.
Environmental Leadership: Targeting LEED Silver certification, the project incorporates advanced environmental stewardship, including drought-tolerant landscapes, increased biodiversity, and onsite water retention strategies that extend from the building’s core to its streetscape.
Design-Assist Collaboration: Through a comprehensive Design-Assist contract, the project team, including SmartLam, Western Wood Structures Inc., and DCI Engineers, integrated 3D modeling, precision logistics, and sustainable procurement to ensure a seamless assembly of the complex timber superstructure.
The “Living Laboratory”: As MSU’s inaugural mass timber building, Gianforte Hall functions as a living example of unique timber engineering. The structural system, featuring Douglas-fir CLT ceilings supported by glulam members, remains on display to inspire students and faculty with the possibilities of modern wood construction.
Technical Execution
Groundbreaking took place in April 2024, with Swank Enterprises leading the construction as General Contractor. SmartLam and the project partners refined the technical specifications for the Douglas-fir mass timber components, ensuring that the precision-fabricated members meet the rigorous standards required for a state-of-the-art research facility. Scheduled for completion in 2026, Gianforte Hall will stand as a beacon of MSU’s commitment to sustainable innovation and the Montana timber industry.