Pinnacle Engineering Partners with Jose Garcia Design + Construction to Introduce Cutting-Edge, Environmentally-Friendly CLT Construction to Cincinnati’s FotoFocus Arts Center
- Pinnacle Engineering teams up with Jose Garcia Design + Construction to champion Cincinnati’s first major Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) project for the FotoFocus Center.
- Opting for CLT not only captures the desired aesthetic but significantly reduces carbon footprint, making the best use of renewable resources.
- This project positions Cincinnati at the forefront of the national wave of innovative and environmentally conscious building practices.
Cincinnati, OH – Pinnacle Engineering has partnered with local design firm, Jose Garcia Design + Construction, to bring Cincinnati its first major Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) project. As part of the new FotoFocus Center, this endeavor aligns with a rising national trend, integrating environmentally conscious construction practices to create stunning, sustainable structures. The top-out date for the placement of the last CLT panel was November 7, 2023.
FotoFocus, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit dedicated to championing lens-based art, is constructing a state-of-the-art venue at 228 East Liberty Street. Spanning 14,700 square feet across two floors, this center will be the heartbeat of curated exhibitions, educational events, and film screenings, further amplifying FotoFocus’s unwavering mission to enrich the public’s understanding of photography.
While the original design called for a traditional steel frame construction, Pinnacle Engineering, in line with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, introduced the CLT process. The designer’s love of using natural materials, exposing rich wood, and uncluttered exposed structure – all under the umbrella of environmental sustainability – perfectly harmonized with the CLT concept. By opting for this method, not only does the design integrate aesthetics with functionality, but it also promotes environmental responsibility.
In response to green construction building practices, building codes are shifting nationally, permitting taller buildings that allow for CLT & mass timber construction practices. Pinnacle Engineering is at the forefront of this transformation. This partnership represents more than just a single project. It brings Cincinnati onto the national stage, showcasing the city’s readiness to adopt emerging architectural and structural trends.
Why CLT & similar mass timber practices? Beyond its aesthetic allure, CLT’s environmental advantages are substantial. Not only does it use a fraction of the carbon compared to concrete, but it also champions the use of renewable resources, addressing mounting environmental concerns. The innovation of CLT lies in its ability to utilize smaller wood pieces, saving them from wastage or incineration.
Principal Structural Engineer at Pinnacle Engineering, Tom Moore, shared his perspective on this cutting-edge initiative:
“The combination of glulam beams/columns with CLT floors and roof will be a perfect environment for the gallery/viewing space desired by Fotofocus. Having a similar environment for their offices and meeting space is just an added bonus. This is a one-of-a-kind facility.
With many years of experience in all types of wood construction – including traditional stick framing, historic timber framing, structural insulated panels, and more – being involved in a mass timber / CLT project was an obvious next step in our process at Pinnacle Engineering.”
For further details, press inquiries, or a tour of the upcoming FotoFocus Center, please contact Kip Ping at kping@pinneng.com
About Pinnacle Engineering:
With over 25 years crafting custom structural engineering solutions, Pinnacle Engineering is a firm focused on innovation and quality. They are committed to creating smart structural solutions that empower architects and clients to think outside the box with their designs, all while ensuring building efficiency and safety.
About Jose Garcia Design + Construction:
Jose Garcia Design + Construction passionately creates built environments that balance environment, aesthetics, and construction.
