Grove City College is a conservative Christian college located in Pennsylvania. Vermont Timber Works constructed a timber frame for their Student Activities Center. We worked with Hammond Construction, Engineering Ventures and The Ballinger Company on this project.
Because the college wants students to pursue and maintain a strong relationship with their faith, the architectural elements in the student center are reminiscent of classical church components that one would find in a Catholic chapel. The student center features a high cathedral ceiling, large paned windows, wood framed arches, and traditional arched hammer beam trusses. These elements make the space feel sacred while also being impressive and beautiful.
All of our frames are handcrafted to meet exact project requirements, and we enjoy working with our clients to make sure the details – from design to finish – are just right.
If you like this timber frame, or have timber work questions, we invite you to get in contact or ask an expert!
Have a Question?EXPLORE THE FRAME
This timber frame incorporates both traditional joinery and some steel connections. It was constructed using douglas fir timber and glue laminated arched beams.
The exterior of Grove City College that features the rounded Timber Frame addition.
The exterior of the student center at Grove City College in Pennsylvania.
The exterior of Grove City College that features a walking path to the building.
The exterior of Grove City College that features the round sanctuary room.
The exterior of the student center at Grove City College that features the large arched window.
The front exterior of the student center at Grove City College in PA.
The interior of a sanctuary space in Grove City College that features arched trustees, ceiling beams and gothic hanging lights.
The interior of the student center at Grove City College that features arched trusses, ceiling beams, a cathedral ceiling, and a beautiful arched window.
The interior of the student center at Grove City College features timber trusses as well as wood arches.
A detailed look at the corbels and joinery connections on the timber trusses in the student center at Grove City College.
Inside the Student Center at Grove City Collge.
A full view of the trusses and arches in the student center at Grove City College.
The interior of a rounded sanctuary room at Grove City College.
The sanctuary room features a rounded timber frame with hammer beam trusses and ceiling beams.
The ceiling in the sanctuary room in Grove City College. This view shows where the high ceiling beams and timber trusses meet and create an interesting visual effect.
The view from the second story of the student center at Grove City College.
The view when entering the student center at Grove City College.
An up close look at a Corbel at the base of a timber truss in the student center at Grove City College.
A look at the ceiling in the round sanctuary room that features arched trusses and ceiling beams at Grove City College.
The intricate truss and beams in the sanctuary room at Grove City College.
Arched trusses with hanging lanterns and a raised ceiling in the sanctuary at Grove City College.
A good look at the impressive arched window in the student center at Grove City College.
An up-close look at a wooden arch in the student center at Grove City College.
Campus View
Arched Gluelam Timbers
Arched Hammer Beam Trusses
Octagon Ceiling Beams
The student center under construction.
SEE THE DRAWINGS & PLANS
The timber frame design process involves a series of sketches and review with the client and their architect — including a 3D model of the frame — until there is an approved final design. With the final design, detailed 2D shop drawings are created and used to fabricate the frame.
