Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
Structural Designer
Fast + Epp
Client Name
Architecture ATB
Location
Wembley, Alberta, Canada
ARCHITECTS
Architecture ATB
Teeple Architects Inc.
TIMBER CONTRACTOR
StructureCraft Builders
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
PCL Construction Management Inc.
MECHANICAL CONSULTANT
Hemisphere Engineering Inc.
ELECTRICAL/CIVIL CONSULTANT
AECOM
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Scatliff+Miller+Murray Inc
Images: © Fast + Epp, and PCL Construction
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This palaeontology museum rests on the ancient Pipestone Creek dinosaur bone bed in Northern Alberta. Its geometrically-complex roof is supported by expressed timber beams creating a visual reference to dinosaur bones.
Prefabricated modular timber panels are supported on angled glulam beams, tied together with intricate, custom-made connections constructed using laminated CNC-milled Douglas fir plywood.
Judge's comment:
Clever timber space truss joints lie at the heart of this project that creates an arresting museum environment. The main structural materials provide all the benefits of low embodied energy, minimal carbon footprint, local availability and future demountability whereas the joints make the production of high performance arrangements possible.