UMass Amherst John W. Olver Design Building

To address the complex geometry of the zipper truss, the design team developed a unique connection strategy that combined off-the-shelf clevis connectors for the steel cable tension elements with standardized CAST CONNEX Timber End Connectors (TECs) for the compression elements. Installed at both ends of the CLT king posts and attached to the CLT members using glued-in threaded rods, the TECs connected to gusset plates at the roof and central hub of each truss segment. This adaptable connection system efficiently accommodated the fabrication and erection of the unique three-dimensional geometry of each compression element while maintaining the clean, refined aesthetic of the exposed mass timber structure.

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The four-story project was conceived as a demonstration of the viability, beauty, and sustainability of mass timber construction while showcasing the UMass Building and Construction Technology Program’s research on composite cross-laminated timber (CLT) and concrete floors. Offices and classrooms surround a skylit Commons the functions as the heart of the building for gathering, collaboration, and presentations, while a rooftop garden serves as an additional learning space.  

Through careful attention to both structural performance and architectural expression, the design team created a remarkable space within the first academic building in the United States to incorporate CLT construction. The pre-engineered TECs offered an elegant and efficient solution for the complex zipper truss connections, seamlessly integrating with the exposed timber architecture. Their use contributed to a warm, inviting environment that has become a celebrated addition to the UMass Amherst campus.

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