Mass Timber Construction Featured in Silicon Valley Art Gallery and Wine Bar

The Edes Building, a new two-story mixed-use development in Morgan Hill, Silicon Valley, is utilizing mass timber for its construction, housing an art gallery and wine bar. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam posts and beams were specified for the 6,800 sq ft structure. This choice was driven by the material's aesthetic appeal, its biophilic qualities, and a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to concrete and steel.

According to KTGY, the project's architect, the use of mass timber has also expedited the construction schedule. The process from placing the first post and beam to completing the CLT roof took just one month, highlighting the efficiency of this building method. The building's design aims to integrate seamlessly into the downtown area while acting as a sculptural element inspired by the local landscape.

The Edes Building is designed to fill a key intersection, providing continuity to a pedestrian promenade and mediating scale between neighboring structures. The interior will feature a wine bar and cafe with a modern, functional design, alongside rotating gallery spaces with custom display units. Large windows and glass panels are incorporated to visually connect the interior with the surrounding environment.

The project, which broke ground in September 2022, is named after the historic Edes Grocery Store that occupied the site in the 1920s. The gallery is set to showcase artwork from the Bay Area and beyond, with an anticipated completion in the first quarter of 2024.