Winery House

Insulated concrete form (ICF) construction is a unique and innovative way to resolve heat and noise insulation issues with a residential structure. (Click here for an ICF trade association and here for more information on ICF home construction.) Ogren Engineering provided structural engineering services for this unique residence. It serves as the focal point for a small winery in the Willamette Valley near Eugene, OR,

The owners of the winery wanted a unique and distinctive house that would serve not only as their primary

residence, but also as a place to entertain guests of the winery.

As such, several structural elements became architectural focal points. Attention to detail was essential at every turn for this project as well as working closely with the building designer to help ensure his architectural vision was being complimented by the structural design.

A major architectural feature that is a prominent structural element are the curved arch wood-framed trusses in the living room. These trusses are constructed of high grade Douglas Fir with White Oak dowels; the only steel used in these trusses is embedded into the concrete walls to support the trusses at their ends.

These trusses were analyzed using a finite element analysis program to most accurately represent the curvature of the bottom chord of the trusses.

An out of the ordinary structural design approach was required not only because of the unusual elements of this building, but also to keep each of these elements relatively easy to construct and affordable to build.

Despite the uniqueness of several structural elements of this home, we were able to provide a set of structural drawings for the contractor that were easy to follow and he had only a few issues during construction that required our response. We strive to produce complete and accurate drawings the first time no matter how unique the project is.

Another nonstandard design piece of this structure is the ceiling framing above the kitchen and family room. This exposed framing not only serves as an architectural design feature, but also as the structural beams and joists supporting the second floor. Locating and sizing these beams appropriately to serve this dual function required working closely with the home designer to ensure all architectural wants as well as all of the structural needs were being met.



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