Vesterheim Commons, a three-story urban infill project in Decorah, IA, serves as a signature entrance and event space for the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Norwegian folk art and historical objects.
Working in tandem with the architects Snohetta and BNIM and supporting the structural Engineer of Record (EOR), MBJ, we provided our mass timber expertise and collaborated on high level design strategies using wood for complex geometry within tight constraints. In the schematic design phase, Fast + Epp produced structural schematic designs layouts that best harnessed the capabilities of timber. This was followed through into design development in which we supported the EOR in detailing, structural design of timber components, and drawing review.
The use of glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams, columns, panels, and other wood elements created a warm, inviting space while aligning with the museum’s sustainability goals.
A swooping cantilevered canopy – constructed by combining curved glulam beams with embedded steel and inspired by traditional Norwegian boats – ushers in visitors. Inside, a wood oculus connects the first two floors, filling the space with natural light. Structural GLT decking enhances this effect while concealing mechanical systems within gaps between the panels, allowing the stunning wood to remain the visual focus.
