Montana State University - Gianforte Hall

Gianforte Hall is part of Montana State University's School of Computing.  The full mass timber building is a state of the art 55,000 sqft  structure targeting LEED Silver certification.  Western Wood Structures was the mass timber subcontractor for Swank Enterprises (GC),  and provided a Design Assist contract, 3D modeling, Shop Drawings, Material procurement, Sustainable sourcing of materials, Logistics, Transportation, Staging, and Installation.

Hennebery Eddy architects , together with Montana State University and  design partner Lake|Flato Architects, and DCI Engineers  created this new multidisciplinary facility for world-class computer science and technology learning and research. It will challenge stereotypes and support a more diverse student cohort, heightening MSU’s reputation as a national leader in computing.

The design takes advantage of building orientation to optimize daylighting, features natural and local materials, lumber sourced from local Montana mills and manufactured by Smartlam NA in Columbia Falls MT.  Quality Beam(QB) in Salmon ID provide SFI cerfified lumber to manufacture Glulam columns and beams that are on display supporting the inspiring douglas-fir CLT ceiling. As mentioned, the building is targeting LEED Silver certification; it is also MSU’s first mass timber structure. According to Hennebery Eddy architects -the biophilic interior color pallet combined with exposed mass timber and daylight in every space creates optimal learning environments for students to thrive. Interactive spaces along the streetscape are created as extension of the educational spaces. This outdoor space also nods to environmental stewardship through increased biodiversity, water retention, and drought-tolerant plants. Inspired by the interplay between varied Montana landscapes and the diverse world of computing, Gianforte Hall fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere for students to engage with peers and faculty.
 
MSU broke ground on Gianforte Hall in April 2024. Construction is schedule for completion in 2026.