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Key Facts at a Glance:
- Project: Briger Hall, Commons and SEAS, Princeton University, USA
- Project sections: Commons, Princeton ES and Princeton SEAS
- Timber construction products: Glulam, block-glued composite members and multi-layer solid wood panels
- Scope of services: Production, prefabrication machining, surface finishing and pre-assembly
- Special features: Complex exposed timber components, high degree of prefabrication and sophisticated connections
- Surface treatment: Remmers Aqua HSL 35
- Pre-assembly: Steel components and fire protection tapes
Timber Construction Products and Innovative Structural Solutions for the University Campus
With Briger Hall, Commons and SEAS, a modern academic complex for research and education was developed at Princeton University. The timber construction project combines architecturally sophisticated design with innovative structural solutions using timber and other building materials, creating versatile spaces for students, researchers and faculty members.
For the three project sections Commons, Princeton ES and Princeton SEAS, the HASSLACHER group supplied customized timber construction products. The scope of services included the production of timber components, precision machining, surface treatment with Aqua HSL 35 by Remmers, and the pre-assembly of steel connection elements and fire protection components.
Exposed Glulam Components and Complex Machining for Princeton Commons
One of the key challenges within the Commons section was the highly complex machining of exposed timber components. For the library areas, visible glulam elements were manufactured with numerous drillings, routings, slots and angled cuts. The extensive level of processing and the sophisticated machining required for steel connection systems demanded exceptional precision to meet strict requirements regarding dimensional accuracy, tolerances and surface quality.
These exposed glulam components define the visual character of the library spaces and contribute to an inviting atmosphere with a high level of user comfort.
Glulam, Block-Glued Composite Members and Multi-Layer Solid Wood Panels for Princeton
For the Princeton ES and Princeton SEAS sections, the HASSLACHER group manufactured glulam in various strength grades as well as block-glued composite members. The complex machining of the timber components and the extensive prefabrication enabled efficient installation on site.
In addition, multi-layer solid wood panels in the form of three-layer panels were used in selected areas of the project.
High Degree of Prefabrication and Pre-Assembled Fire Protection Components
As part of the prefabrication process, steel components and fire protection tapes were installed at the production facility. The fire protection tapes enclose the connection elements and form a highly insulating protective layer in the event of a fire. This delays the heating of the connection systems and helps maintain their structural capacity for the required fire resistance period.
The pre-assembly of steel components and fire protection tapes was a key element of the high degree of prefabrication achieved for the Princeton University project.
Innovative Timber Structures and Long-Span Constructions for Princeton University
The project is distinguished by the combination of different building materials and innovative structural concepts. Exposed timber components, long-span structures and sophisticated timber connections contribute to the campus's distinctive architectural character while creating modern spaces for learning, working and collaboration.
The use of glulam components, block-glued composite members, multi-layer solid wood panels in the form of three-layer panels, complex machining processes and extensive prefabrication defines the timber construction works for Briger Hall, Commons and SEAS.
| Project information | |
|---|---|
| Location: | New Jersey, USA |
| Customer: | Princeton University |
| Builder: | The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company |
| Architect or planner: | Ennead Architects |
| Design and construction: | LERA Consulting Structural Engineers |
| Year of building: | 2025 |
FAQ about the Princeton University Timber Construction Project
Which timber construction products were supplied for Briger Hall, Commons and SEAS? The project included glulam, block-glued composite members and multi-layer solid wood panels, specifically three-layer panels.
What services were provided by the HASSLACHER group? The scope of services included the production of timber components, precision machining, surface finishing, and the pre-assembly of steel components and fire protection tapes.
What was the main challenge regarding the glulam components in the Commons section? The exposed glulam components required numerous drillings, routings, slots and angled cuts, demanding the highest level of precision during manufacturing.
What is the function of the pre-assembled fire protection tapes? In the event of a fire, the fire protection tapes create an insulating layer around the connection elements, helping to maintain their structural performance throughout the required fire resistance period.
Which areas of Princeton University received the timber construction products? The timber construction products were supplied for the Commons, Princeton ES and Princeton SEAS sections of the new university campus.
