Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Tekαkαpimək Contact Station

Project Scope

For the past few years, our team has been deeply engaged in various projects for the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in northern Penobscot County, Maine. Among these endeavors stands the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, a project that has posed unique challenges requiring innovative solutions.

Nestled within the remote rural landscape, the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station demanded careful consideration of both aesthetics and structural integrity. It was imperative that the building not only endure the test of time but also harmonize seamlessly with its natural surroundings, reflecting the essence of Maine craftsmanship. However, bringing this vision to fruition was no simple task. The unique site conditions, including the presence of rock ledge and the desire for a natural appearance, presented significant challenges during the design and construction phases.

One of the most notable challenges was the creation of the distinctive columns that the architect envisioned. Rejecting the notion of manufactured columns for their industrial appearance, the architect sought an alternative approach.

The innovative aspect of the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station project lay in the creation of the columns. The architect’s vision necessitated columns that exuded a natural aesthetic, eschewing the typical manufactured look. To achieve this, the decision was made to construct the columns using 2 by 12s, assembled in a manner that mimicked a single, seamless unit, measuring 6 inches by 22.5 inches. However, this approach presented its own set of challenges.

The staggered arrangement of the 2 by 12s was critical to prevent joint alignment and maintain structural integrity. This required meticulous planning and precision during assembly to ensure that the individual pieces functioned as a cohesive whole, effectively acting as one large column. Moreover, the high-level architect’s insistence on avoiding manufactured columns dictated that building them in a factory was not an option.

In a testament to ingenuity, the contractor devised a method to fabricate the columns in their own shop near the project site. Yet, ensuring structural integrity demanded rigorous testing and refinement. Drawing on resources from the University of Maine and consultations with adhesive manufacturers, multiple iterations ensued until a successful formula was achieved. This process, initially fraught with setbacks, ultimately yielded a robust solution, paving the way for the construction of 130 columns.

Beyond the column challenge, the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station presented a myriad of other obstacles, from the implementation of rock anchors for expansive cantilevers to the logistical complexities of operating in a remote, off-grid environment.

Along with structural engineering, our team delivered land development, environmental, and surveying services to this important project. The Tekαkαpimək Contact Station stands as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the synergy of interdisciplinary expertise. It embodies not only a functional space but a harmonious integration of human ingenuity with the natural landscape, serving as a beacon of stewardship within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

Market

• Land Development
• State & Federal Government

Services

Project Data