Littleton, MA
The Littleton Trials
Scope/Solutions
With the Littleton Trials, students at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design investigated New England forestry practices, mass timber construction, and wood’s heat transfer behavior. They conducted studies on three timber-framed huts built in Prouty Woods on a property owned and managed by the New England Forestry Foundation. SGH consulted on the structural design of the huts.
By monitoring the temperature and relative humidity over multiple seasons, the project team assessed how varying the wood species and construction techniques can affect thermal performance.
SGH assisted the team with the design of the timber-framed structures. Highlights of our work include the following:
- Consulted on the laminating process for the nail-laminated and dowel-laminated timber wall panels
- Evaluated the structural stability of the huts and developed connections between wall panels
- Designed anchorage from the hut structure to the wood-framed sled that transported the huts into the woods and served as the foundation structure
Photo by Decentralized Design Lab
Photo by Charlie Reinersten
Photo by Decentralized Design Lab
Photo by Decentralized Design Lab
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Project Summary
2017
Completion Date
Award
Winner
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation
Services
Structures | Applied Science & Research
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Specialized Capabilities
Building Design | Materials Science
Key team members
Additional Projects
Northeast
Hamilton College, Kevin and Karen Kennedy Center for Theatre and the Studio Arts
Knowing that many of their arts programs were outgrowing the existing spaces, Hamilton College sought to develop new facilities to serve their growing needs. SGH provided building enclosure consulting services for the Kennedy Center.
Northeast
Emerson College, Little Building
The college undertook a project to replicate the street-facing facades and coupled that with a major renovation and modernization, extending the useful life of the residence hall for many years. SGH consulted on the facade replacement and renovation.