Kohler Environmental Center nears completion March 2012Construction nears completion at the new environmental center at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut. The center is located on an isolated section of campus that will be dedicated to research and education. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, this projects boasts a diversity of sustainable features including a field of solar panels with the intent to achieve LEED Platinum certification. As the EOR, DeStefano & Chamberlain contributed to this unique project a variety of structural systems including timber frame trusses and structural insulated panels (SIPs).
The sweeping roof of The Hotchkiss School's new heating facility nears completion. Fabricated and installed by South County Post & Beam, the roof features 25 1/2" deep glulams that are weaved together with flowing curved rafters. Centerbrook Architects and Planners designed the new facility which is scheduled to be online during the summer of 2012. DeStefano & Chamberlain were the Engineers of Record and designed the glulam structure.
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Equestrian Barns and Indoor Arena nears completion January 2012Just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, the final touches are being completed on an equestrian complex designed by Blackburn Architects, P.C. This three building complex is comprised of a series of elegant timber frames coupled a steel moment frame and a SIP roof system. The structure was designed by DeStefano & Chamberlain.
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Shope Reno Wharton's first publication hits the shelves October 2011DeStefano & Chamberlain is happy to announce that our friends at the firm of Shope Reno Wharton have published their first collective portfolio. House, Home & Heart: Artistry and Craftsmanship in the Architecture of Shope Reno Wharton is a compilation of "redefined modern architecture within a context of traditional sensibilities" (P. Goldberger). Showcasing their designs in over 400 photographs, this book takes a closer look at SRW's latest residential projects. DeStefano & Chamberlain has been collaborating with SRW for over 30 years.
Get your copy here!
Hurricane Irene hits New England August 2011Tropical storm Irene, originally a category 3 hurricane, hit New England in late August causing massive amounts of damage. Flooding occured on the coast as well as inland due to a high storm surge and torrential rains. In addition, winds gusting up to 65 mph brought down trees and left residents without power for days. DeStefano & Chamberlain was called in to survey damage along the coast where many marine structures were washed away during the storm.
Click here for the news report.
New Central Heating Facility construction underway August 2011
Deadly Tornado hits Springfield, MA June 2011A tornado ravaged downtown Springfield, Massachusetts and several of the surrounding towns in an afternoon storm. The winds brought down trees, scattered debris, and damaged numerous buildings. DeStefano & Chamberlain was called in to investigate the structural integrity of Monson Town Hall which was severely damaged in the storm.
Click here for the news report.
Groundbreaking at the new Kohler Environmental Center May 2011Construction began at the new environmental center at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut. The center is located on an isolated section of campus that will be dedicated to research and education. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, this projects boasts a diversity of sustainable features with the intent to achieve LEED Platinum certification. As the EOR, DeStefano & Chamberlain contributed to this unique project a variety of structural systems including timber frame trusses and structural insulated panels (SIPS).
Watch the KEC Construction Cam for the building's progress.
Will your roof stand up to all this snow? January 2011Kevin Chamberlain was interviewed by the Hartford Courant regarding potential roof collapses due to this winter's heavy snowfall. Homeowners worry as the state gets bombarded with snow and wonder if they should shovel the snow off of their roof.
"There's no hard and fast rule for when you have too much snow," says Kevin. "The thing about houses and wood structures in general is that they are pretty resilient. They give warning signs--sags and cracks. It's important to pay attention to them."
Read the article.
Topping Off Ceremony of the Portland Jetport December 2010The Topping-Off Ceremony took place at the Portland International Jetport where the final glulam beam was hoisted into place. DeStefano & Chamberlain Inc. took part in the design of this unique glulam structure.
Watch the video.
SIP Installation of Virginia Home featured in USA Today November 2010
The use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), in place of traditional framing, is gaining momentum as seen in the story of a Virginia home. USA Today features owner Wendy Koch's Green House Blog which follows the progress of construction of her new sustainable home. DeStefano & Chamberlain Inc. designed the SIP structure.
Read the article.
Design for Flooding: Architecture, Landscape, and Urban Design for Resilience to Climate Change November 2010Recently published, Design for Flooding (2011) includes a section on Flood-Resistant Design that has been co-authored by Jim DeStefano and Donald Watson. Discussion topics include flood design analysis, coastal regions, and best practices for building design.
Pick up your copy at Amazon.com.
Sustainability Guidelines for the Structural Engineer November 2010Jim DeStefano has written the Wood Construction chapter for this ASCE sponsored publication. The Sustainability Guidelines for the Structural Engineer (2010) is divided into several discussions regarding sustainable strategies for design, construction, infrastructure, and building materials.
Pick up your copy at ASCE.org.
Timber Frames: Designing Your Custom HomeOur friend and client, Jeremy Bonin--an architect specializing in the design of timber framed buildings, has authored a new book on timber framed homes.
Pick up your copy at Amazom.com.
ACEC 2008 Engineering Excellence Award
DeStefano and Chamberlain along with Dan Conlon Architects received the ACEC 2008 Engineering Excellence Award for the St. Patrick Church. Kevin Chamberlain (center) along with Dan Conlon (far right).
Interview with CNN
Jim DeStefano was interviewed by CNN the day of the World Trade Center collapse.
Interview with ABC
Jim DeStefano was interviewed by ABC Eyewitness News on August 3, 2007, following the bridge collapse in Minnesota.
Cherokee School: the Largest SIPS Project
DeStefano & Chamberlain, in collaboration with Panelwrights, has engineered the Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) system for the Cherokee School Project in North Carolina. With a total of 376,000 S.F. of SIPs, this is the largest SIP project ever built.
Westport Weston Family Y
Jim DeStefano is on the building committee for the proposed new Westport Weston Family Y which will be located on the site of Camp Mahackeno. The project is being designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects.
Timber Frame Engineering Council
Jim DeStefano is a founder and past chairman of the newly formed Timber Frame Engineering Council (TFEC). The TFEC is a group within the Timber Framers Guild of structural engineers and others with an interest in timber frame engineering. The TFEC is dedicated to advancing the technology of timber frame engineering. The goals and objectives of the group include: Providing an open forum for the discussion of engineering topics. Promote appropriate research to advance timber frame and SIP technology. Produce technical publications and articles on various topics. Advocate amendments to building codes and technical standards. Conduct engineering sessions in conjunction with TFG Conferences.
www.timberframeengineeringcouncil.org
SEI: Structural Engineering Institute
Jim DeStefano has been appointed to the ASCE/SEI 24 Flood Resistant Design and Construction standard committee. Jim also serves on the SEI Sustainability committee.
SIPA: Structural Insulated Panel Association
Jim DeStefano has been re-elected to a second term on the Board of Directors of the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA). Jim serves on the SIPA technical committee and is also the past-chairman of the SIPA Design Professionals Committee.