Peavy Forest Science Center
The George W. Peavy Forest Science Center (PFSC) highlights an entirely new way of thinking about building and design. It is a perfect example of how sustainably managed forests can be used to create beautiful buildings out of wood and establish a connection with the outdoor landscapes.
Learning + Discovery
The PFSC features 20 classrooms, computer rooms and laboratories, including the FERN Student Center and the Peavy Arboretum, where faculty, students and researchers can participate in active learning and discovery while utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Classroom and lab spaces range from small capacity to large capacity, and will allow students to study all aspects of the forest landscape.
The PFSC also includes a number of informal learning spaces, including the Roseburg Forest Products Atrium and the third-floor area located outside of The Wollenberg Foundation Dean’s Suite, affectionately known as the "Tree House". These spaces provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to collaborate, study and teach in a relaxed setting.
This Building is Alive
The SMART-CLT project, which stands for “Structural Health Monitoring and Post-Occupancy Performance of Mass Timber Buildings,” will analyze critical factors impacting the performance of CLT during its service life. The project will also develop protocols for the monitoring of key building factors so CLT can be effectively studied on small and large scales. 381 sensors are installed throughout the PFSC and will monitor wood moisture content, indoor and outdoor weather conditions, heat transfer, long-term movement of walls and floors, tension in self-centering rods and building and floor vibrations.
Grown + Made in the PNW
The majority of wood in the PFSC was grown and processed right here in Oregon and through the Pacific Northwest. This includes the:
Innovative Materials
The PFSC features innovative products made from our natural resources. By utilizing products like cross-laminated timber and mass plywood panels, the project highlights how mass timber and structural wood products building solutions can increase the value of Oregon’s natural resources and enhance our communities.
Acknowledgements
The Oregon Forest Science Complex, which includes the George W. Peavy Forest Science Center and the A.A. “Red” Emmerson Advanced Wood Products Laboratory represents a public-private partnership to advance the sciences across our forest landscapes to help create healthy forests, ecosystems and communities. For this initiative, the promise of innovative wood science and design brought together four lead donors, gifts from more than 100 others and matching bonds from the State of Oregon.