The University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design is one of the oldest architecture establishments in the nation. When it comes to teaching students the necessary design skills of the future, there is no better place than the new Kivett Hall in Lawrence, Kansas.

The new Kivett Hall will not only house the future architects of the world, but will mold them using a combination of today’s cutting-edge technology and prestigious teaching methodologies. The school has a state of the art design-build shop, semi-recessed into the site. This allows for easy access from the outside without disturbing the interior studios. Since the school focuses on sustainable design, elements such as dual-layered glass facades, mass timber, and passive cooling can all be found within the structure. Along the South façade, a ventilated, dual-layered glazing system is in place to maximize solar gain, particularly during the winter months since Lawrence, KS is too cold for comfort most of the year. A secondary feature of this South façade is to demonstrate the beauty of the mass timber structure. Facing the building this direction maximizes its exposure to visitors along Naismith Drive when coming to see home basketball games. Upon entering the building on the main level, visitors will immediately be drawn to the open studios and the massive Spruce-Pine glue-laminated columns and beams. In addition to the structural columns and beams, the rooms are separated by cross-laminated panels, which are made from 3-layers of 2x6s, with each layer perpendicular to the previous layer. Further exploring mass timber design, Kivett Hall utilizes a special “Zipper” truss made of Spruce-Pine timber and tensioning rods that are attached to the Glulam beams above the second floor. This truss system creates a tensioning force that strengthens the beams supporting the roof. Although the truss is needed for tensioning purposes, it also serves a secondary purpose of securing the second-floor studio. This floor is constructed using a 7-layer CLT system with a 2-inch concrete topping. This floor/truss system allows for an “elevated” experience for students, as well as great exposure to the mass timber structure. Lawrence, KS has adopted the 2015 IBC and Kivett Hall exceeds the thermal requirements as shown in the detailed wall section.