Edes Building in Silicon Valley Uses Mass Timber for Art Gallery and Wine Bar

The Edes Building, a new two-story mixed-use art gallery and wine bar in Morgan Hill, California, has incorporated mass timber construction. The 6,800-square-foot structure utilizes cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam posts and beams, selected for their aesthetic appeal, biophilic properties, and reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional materials like concrete and steel.

KTGY, the project's architect, stated that the timber construction is integrated throughout the building's structure and interior design, offering a warm, organic finish that distinguishes it from typical urban galleries. The use of mass timber also contributed to an efficient construction schedule, with the structure from the first post and beam placement to the roof topping off taking only one month.

The Edes Building is situated at a key downtown intersection, designed to complement a pedestrian promenade and mediate the scale between neighboring structures. The building's exterior is intended to be a work of art itself, with architectural elements inspired by the local landscape, creating a striking, sculpture-like form.

Inside, the building features a wine bar and cafe with a modern, functional design. The gallery space will accommodate rotating art installations with custom display units and shelving, while large windows and glass panels open the interior visually to the outdoors. Construction began in September 2022, with completion anticipated in the first quarter of 2024.