A new $30 million, 4,700-seat sports arena will house several of the University of Idaho’s sports programs, including men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball, when it completes in 2020. Designed by Hastings + Chivetta Architects, with Opsis Architecture as the Architect of Record, University of Idaho Arena will also serve as a gathering space for academic events, special concerts, and meetings.
Timber and mass timber construction will become a focal point for the project, which has received a Wood Innovation Grant to help with construction costs. The arena will become the first wood facility of its size in Idaho. “Partnering with our strong natural resource industries to build an innovative building using new mass timber construction technology is exciting and demonstrates the innovation and engagement UI does so well,” says University of Idaho President Chuck Staben in a release.
The new arena is slated for construction on the north side of Kibbie Dome and will become a showpiece for student athletes. Through its use of timber and mass timber construction, the arena will also serve as a learning laboratory for students in forestry and engineering.
The structural engineer for the project is KPFF Structural Engineers and the general contractor is Hoffman Construction.
Related Stories
Building Materials | Nov 2, 2022
Design for Freedom: Ending slavery and child labor in the global building materials sector
Sharon Prince, Founder and CEO of Grace Farms and Design for Freedom, discusses DFF's report on slavery and enforced child labor in building products and materials.
Wood | Nov 1, 2022
A European manufacturer says its engineered wood products can store carbon for decades
Metsä Wood, a Finland-based manufacturer of engineered wood products, says its sustainable, material-efficient products can store carbon for decades, helping to combat climate change.
| Sep 23, 2022
High projected demand for new housing prompts debate on best climate-friendly materials
The number of people living in cities could increase to 80% of the total population by 2100. That could require more new construction between now and 2050 than all the construction done since the start of the industrial revolution.
Mass Timber | Aug 30, 2022
Mass timber construction in 2022: From fringe to mainstream
Two Timberlab executives discuss the market for mass timber construction and their company's marketing and manufacturing strategies. Sam Dicke, Business Development Manager, and Erica Spiritos, Director of Preconstruction, Timberlab, speak with BD+C's John Caulfield.
Building Materials | Aug 3, 2022
Shawmut CEO Les Hiscoe on coping with a shaky supply chain in construction
BD+C's John Caulfield interviews Les Hiscoe, CEO of Shawmut Design and Construction, about how his firm keeps projects on schedule and budget in the face of shortages, delays, and price volatility.
Building Materials | Jul 20, 2022
LP Building Solutions celebrates 50th anniversary at NYSE ceremony
LP Building Solutions celebrates 50th anniversary at NYSE ceremony.
Building Materials | Jun 20, 2022
Early-stage procurement: The next evolution of the construction supply chain
Austin Commercial’s Jason Earnhardt explains why supply chain issues for the construction industry are not going to go away and how developers and owners can get ahead of project roadblocks.
Sponsored | Wood | Apr 21, 2022
PDX Gets Back to its Roots with Engineered Wood
Evoking the serenity of a Pacific Northwest forest, this massive airport redesign features glulam timber and mass plywood panels from local manufacturers.
Wood | Apr 13, 2022
Mass timber: Multifamily’s next big building system
Mass timber construction experts offer advice on how to use prefabricated wood systems to help you reach for the heights with your next apartment or condominium project.
