In February, we were invited to take part in an international exhibition showcasing the latest advances in the sustainable use of wood in architecture. Held at the Grand Palais in Paris, it was organized by Forum Bois Construction, a French association of wood builders, architects, fabricators, and included work from Germany, Austria, UK, and the Netherlands. Surprisingly, we were the only US firm participating. The three-day event was dynamic- the ground floor of the Palais was filled with booths/displays of wood producers, fabricators etc., and two large wood framed auditoria where continuous sessions and presentations were made. The mezzanine above the floor was ringed with the work of architects, more than 80 in all. It was an excellent opportunity to reaffirm our office’s dedication to promoting decarbonization and creating architecture that addresses contemporary challenges.

Trailer Video: https://www.forum-boisconstruction.com/FBC2025_trailers/Fbc2025_trailer_archis_01.mp4

Auburn University Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Environmental Education Building receives a Bronze Award for the World Architecture News Awards in the “Education – Under 10,000” category. “The choice of core materials aligns well with the building’s purpose, allowing it to blend naturally into its surroundings,” – Torquil McIntosh, Judge

Nestled within the 120-acre tract of the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, the new education facility promotes wonder and exploration of the natural world and cultivates a sense of stewardship toward our community and environment.

Imagined as an extension of the network of trails throughout the preserve, the facility is organized along a central “learning trail” spine. Light-filled classroom spaces alternate with a series of open and covered porches that open out into the natural woodlands beyond.

WAN Awards Judges Quotes:

“Feels inspired and inspiring, and links very well to what it is”.

“This project is a great example of how architecture can truly connect with nature, both in form and function.”

“The result is evocative of what every child would love to build for themselves.”

Tom S. Chung, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C will speak about “Beauty, Craft, and Joy of Mass Timber” at SCUP “Souther Symposium: Building hte future with Mass Timber”at Clemson University. He will share a brief case study of two recent projects that elevate human wellbeing in mass timber buildings through beauty, craft, and joy.

The event will take place in at Clemson University, Madren Conference Center, 230 Madren Center Dr on March 20, 2025, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Eastern Learn more

We are thrilled to share that Harvard District Energy Facility Received BSA’s Harleston Parker People’s Choice Award 2024!

The Harleston Parker Medal was established in 1921 in memory of Boston architect J. Harleston Parker. It is the BSA’s highest honor as a recognition of “the most beautiful piece of architecture, building, monument, or structure built in the metropolitan Boston area in the past 10 years.” Recognizing the public’s appreciation of beauty in architecture may vary from jury’s decisions, so each year the BSA seeks the general public’s input by voting on the selected finalists.

We are humbled and honored that the public chose DEF for this award. The project was the first new building to be completed on the Allston campus, therefore carrying the responsibility of setting a high standard of quality and design as well as of creating a visible demonstration of sustainable practice in building, landscape, and storm water management. Flexibility and innovation were key goals for the design of the project, which provides chilled water, hot water, and electricity to the new campus.

The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center Environmental Education Building at Auburn University and Davis Center at Williams College have received the 2025 Chicago Athenaeum Green Good Design Awards.

The Green Good Design awards celebrates projects “that have forwarded exceptional thinking and inspired greater progress toward a more healthier and more sustainable universe.” – Chicago Athenaeum

The reimagined 25,800 sf Davis Center is a unified complex with a major new addition nestled between the existing, beloved Rice and Jenness Houses.  Pursuing Living Building Challenge Petal Certification, the Davis Center is a bold and vivid expression of Williams’ commitment to cultivating a community that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative.

Nestled within the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC), the new environmental education building promotes wonder and exploration of the natural world and cultivates a sense of stewardship toward our community and environment. The building incorporates cross laminated timber (CLT) produced in near-by Dothan, Alabama with southern yellow pine from the area as a demonstration of this new, sustainable building product with great economic potential for the region’s forestry-based industries.

Principal Andrea P. Leers, Principal Tom Chung and Associate Principal Katia Lucic are in Paris this week at the Forum Bois International Wood Construction Forum. We are showcasing our recent Mass Timber projects at the Galerie de l’Architecture Bois/Biosourcée du XXIe siècle. The exhibit features the firm’s work including the John W. Olver Design Building, Adohi Hall, Environmental Education Building, and Museum of Forest Service History. 

Leers Weinzapfel Associates will be exhibiting recent Mass Timber projects at the International Wood Construction Forum at the Galerie de l’Architecture Bois/Biosourcée du XXIe siècle, in Paris, from February 26 to 28, 2025. The exhibit will feature the firm’s work including the John W. Olver Design Building, Adohi Hall, Environmental Education Building, and Museum of Forest Service History, highlighting sustainable and innovative features. 

May your year be filled with abundance of creativity and joy!

Join Leers Weinzapfel Associates at the 2025 Arkansas Mass Timber Conference on February 7-9th. Principal Tom Chung, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C will be giving the closing keynote and tours will be given of Adohi Hall, University of Arkansas, the first large-scale mass timber residence hall at its completion in 2019.

Hosted by the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design, University of Arkansas and ISG, the conference explores Mass Timber trends and solutions, tours of mass timber facilities and networking with industry leaders.

Register and Learn More Here

Williams College Davis Center has been awarded Honorable Mention in the  Social Impact category and Boston Public Library — Roslindale Branch has been awarded an Honorable Mention in the Libraries category for Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design 2024.

The Architect’s Newspaper speaks directly to leaders in architecture and design with news, products, developments, trends, and updates. With our magazine, AN Interior, our outreach to the design community has grown exponentially.

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