Structure Type: built works - public buildings - schools - university buildings

Designers: Weinstein / Copeland Architects (firm); Lee Gordon Copeland (architect); Edward Weinstein (architect); Milton Won (architect)

Dates: constructed 1993-1995

total floor area: 23,500 sq. ft.

1455 South Forks Avenue
Forks, WA 98331

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Overview

Both architects Lee G. Copeland and Edward Weinstein had deep roots at the University of Washington (UW). Copeland was a 1960 graduate of the UW in architecture, and went on to teach at the College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP) from 1964 until 1979. He was the Dean of CAUP from 1972 through 1979. Weinstein graduated from CAUP in 1971.

Building History

Weinstein / Copeland Architects designed this research facility for the University of Washington's College Forest Resources in the early 1990s. The complex, set on 40 acres was completed by 1995. The Weinstein A + U Architects Planners web site stated of the project: " The Olympic Natural Resources Center is a research facility whose mission is promoting innovative timber resource management techniques. The campus consists of laboratories, workshops, conference rooms, classrooms, administrative and research offices, interpretive center, social hall, and housing. Weather challenges greatly impacted the design of the facility. Torrential rains up to 50 inches per month and strong winds that reach 100 mph influenced both site organization and the essential design of all structures. The simple shed-roof form results from the need to provide protected exterior circulation and to resist the uplift of the strong winds. A significant client ambition was to evoke the character and appeal of heavy-timber lodge construction. They also wanted to utilize ecologically correct engineered wood products. The design utilizes cost-effective engineered framing members (TJIs) at all primary roofs, engineered beam fabrications (glu-laminated) at exterior overhangs, covered walkways and porches. This approach conveyed the style of timber framing and satisfied the client’s mission and budget." (See Weinstein A + U.com, "Olympic Natural Resources Center," accessed 06/15/2018.)

The Weinstein A + U design team included, Ed Weinstein, design leader, Milton Won, project manager, as well as John Eggleston, Julie Kriegh, Robert Nishimori, and Ian Darlington. Weinstein collaborated with Street Lundgren and Foster AIA, Associate Architects. The firm of Nakano Dennis served as the landscape architect; RSP/EQE was the Structural Engineer, SvR, the Civil Engineer. Sparling handlind the electrical contracting, and CDI, was the mechanical contractor. The general contractor was the Harvey Corporation.

Building Notes

The campus design won the following awards: American Institute of Architects (AIA) Northwest and Pacific Region Awards, Merit Award, 1999; AIA Seattle Honor Awards for Washington Architecture, Merit Award, 1996; AIA Seattle Honor Awards for Washington Architecture, Citation (Future Projects), 1993.

PCAD id: 22126