Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center – Clemson University
Developer/Owner: Clemson University
Contractor: Sherman Construction
Architect: Cooper Carry Architect
Engineer: Britt, Peters and Associates Inc ; Minimal Impact Engineering
Installer: Minimal Impact Engineering
SmartLam Customer: Sherman Construction
Clemson’s First Mass Timber Facility: A Milestone in Sustainable Education
The Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center at Clemson University represents a pivotal achievement in educational design and sustainable construction. This landmark project showcases innovation and sustainability with Southern Pine CLT, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious building practices in higher education.
As Clemson’s first mass timber facility and one of the first in the U.S. to use Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) made from Southern Pine, the center is a testament to the potential of regionally sourced materials in cutting-edge design. It aims to inspire future generations in both outdoor recreation and sustainable building.
Project Overview & Design Philosophy
The Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center is designed as a dynamic hub to support Clemson’s outdoor recreational services. Spanning 16,500 square feet across two stories, the facility utilizes a Type IV-HT hybrid construction system, seamlessly integrating CLT floors, roofs, and shear walls with glulam beams and steel columns. This thoughtful combination of materials not only provides robust structural integrity but also contributes to a warm, inviting aesthetic that connects users with the natural environment, fostering a unique learning and social experience.
Sustainability & Innovation
A core principle of the Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center’s design is its commitment to sustainability, aspiring to be a model for environmentally conscious facilities on university campuses. The project is net-zero ready, with rooftop solar panels strategically positioned to generate enough energy to offset its operational needs, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. SmartLam North America played a critical role as the timber supplier, providing the high-performance Southern Pine CLT that forms the core of its sustainable structure, ensuring both unmatched durability and environmental efficiency. This pioneering use of Southern Pine CLT highlights the potential for innovative, regionally sourced mass timber to achieve ambitious green building goals.
A Sustainable Hub for Outdoor Education
The center embodies a holistic approach to sustainable design, where functionality seamlessly meets aesthetic appeal. It serves as a living laboratory for sustainable building practices, inspiring students and faculty alike. The decision to integrate mass timber with a net-zero ready design creates an environment that not only supports outdoor recreational services but also deeply connects its occupants with principles of environmental stewardship. This facility showcases how educational spaces can actively contribute to a greener future while providing functional and inspiring settings.
Project Highlights
- Educational Sustainability: The center combines cutting-edge mass timber design with Clemson’s commitment to environmental stewardship, creating a functional and inspiring educational space.
- Innovative Materials: One of the first U.S. projects to feature Southern Pine CLT, highlighting the potential of regionally sourced materials and SmartLam’s precision manufacturing.
- Energy Efficiency: Net-zero ready design positions the center as a model for sustainable facilities on university campuses, with rooftop solar panels offsetting operational needs.