Donor Wall
Wood with a Story
Client
RMHC Stanford
Location
San Fransisco
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Crafted out of ponderosa pine dating back to the 18th century, the donor wall at RMHC Stanford is a meaningful tribute to the community.
CHALLENGE
- Showcase donors in a respectful and creative way
- Use native materials that connect the project to community
- Meet CA structural requirements for earthquakes
Result: Wood with a Story
The donor wall uses pine lumber that comes from Sierra Nevada forests. California’s historic drought left the thirsty trees vulnerable to a tiny mountain beetle. This little bugger and a fungus that travels with it have killed 100 million 11 trees in the Golden State. When a tree dies, the beetles vacate, leaving behind a durable wood now imbued–thanks to the fungus- with the stunning colors and patterns that make the wood uniquely beautiful.
Initial Concepts
Design concepts keep forest and the Pacific Ocean in mind.
Final Concept
Final wood choice came from the northern California Seirra Nevada forests.
Steel frame engineered to support design shape and meet California building requirments.
Smaller donor levels are featured on the left side of the panel.