PROJECT ROLE

Structural Engineer

BUILDING SIZE

38,500 sq ft

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

Composite steel framing on main level, bar joists supporting a slab on second floor, and conventional wood framing for third floor and roof. Lateral Systems include steel moment frames and wood framed shearwalls.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Big Sky Town Center is the emerging downtown of Big Sky, Montana. As part of the growth of this dynamic community, the owner wanted to design a single structure that looks like multiple buildings that had been built over time. The building includes a full basement, main level commercial tenant spaces, and two residential levels. Lateral strength is provided by steel moment frames on the lower levels and wood framed shearwalls for the two uppermost levels. Design challenges included: balancing the various structural needs of each level to create an economical overall system, design of a variety of cantilevered elements for canopies and balconies, and issuing of an early structural package to allow for an accelerated construction schedule.