The Center for the Arts in Crested Butte, Colorado, was recently crowned the winner of Woodworks’s 2023 Wood Design Awards. The building combines an eclectic mix of materials into a “patchwork” aesthetic, to symbolize the creativity and diverse set of community activities encapsulated within its walls.
The center’s various spaces accommodate a range of artistic endeavors—from visual arts to culinary arts—and provide a venue for drama, dance, film, non-amplified music, and live performances by both local and nationally recognized artists. The facility also boasts an art gallery, visual arts studios, and two rehearsal rooms for community classes and events.
Visitors are welcomed by a striking copper-clad volume which serves as the main entrance. The theater and studios are arranged into a series of wood-clad shapes that blend seamlessly with the historic town’s architecture. These shapes encircle a central, double-height lobby that features a warm and inviting interior environment, created by a combination of massive wood structural elements, textured copper, rich fabrics, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The lobby’s large, faceted roof echoes the landscape of Crested Butte, and provides an ideal space for a variety of activities.
Located in the central park of the historic town, nestled in the Elk Mountains, the center is one of the most visible and prominent buildings in the area. Under a crescent moon, this vibrant venue glows on a snowy night.
The center’s 300-seat theater is known for its cozy atmosphere and optimal acoustics, both of which are primarily attributed to the use of wood. Curved and faceted acoustical wood reflectors have been strategically placed to direct sound and can be tailored to suit the needs of various performances, whether it be music or spoken-word events.
The project’s design team—comprising of Steinberg Hart as the primary architect, in collaboration with Andrew Hadley Architect—utilized various wood structural systems, including glulam columns, laminated veneer lumber (LVL) rafters, a unique wood and steel 3D space-truss system in the lobby, and skewed glulam columns for the entry canopy. The building’s blue-stained cedar exterior cladding sets it apart and has made it one of the most recognizable structures in town. The building spans 3,391 m2 (35,600 sf) and is constructed using Type V-B methods.
Two other project collaborators were structural engineer, Resource Engineering Group, and the contractor, Black Dragon Development.
