MERIDIAN, Idaho — Frontier Credit Union’s new regional headquarters is set to become the tallest mass timber building in Idaho when it opens later this year.
The four-story, 30,000-square-foot building, located at the corner of Franklin and Ten Mile roads in Meridian, is expected to be completed by the end of November. The project carries an estimated price tag of $10 million, according to the Idaho Press.
The building is being constructed primarily from mass timber, also known as engineered wood, a material created by bonding layers of wood together to form structural components. According to the Idaho Press, the structure features cross-laminated timber, in which multiple layers of lumber are bonded at alternating right angles, and glue-laminated timber, which bonds wood panels with the grain running in the same direction.
‘You Don’t See That Very Often’
Cole Architects Project Manager Kiran KC told the publication that buildings of this type remain relatively uncommon because steel construction is generally less expensive.
“You don’t see that very often. It’s always cheaper or more economical to go with steel construction,” KC said. “Timber comes with a cost that most owners kind of defer away from, so you don’t see that a lot.”
Construction Solutions Company Assistant Superintendent Devin DeVoe said the engineered wood proved enjoyable to assemble during construction, according to the report.
The building was showcased during a July 23 tour hosted by Cole Architects in partnership with Idaho Women in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. Attendees toured the unfinished structure, including office space that Frontier Credit Union will occupy, upper floors that will be leased to commercial tenants and a rooftop patio.
Sustainability a Major Factor
KC said sustainability was a major factor in the decision to use mass timber, adding that wood construction creates a more welcoming work environment.
The Idaho Press reported that mass timber construction has become increasingly popular in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. Boise State University’s new Construction Management building uses engineered wood, and plans call for a mass timber concourse as part of future development at Boise Airport.
Frontier Credit Union expects to begin operating from the new headquarters following its completion later this fall.
