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General contractor SpawGlass Construction Corp. recently completed The Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center, a 2,800 acre outdoor education and recreation facility. Sheldon Lake is located off Beaumont Highway, 15 miles from downtown.

According to SpawGlass project manager Matt Elliott, the tower features an access ramp, stairs and an elevator that provides views of the park, reservoir and beyond.

  “Structurally, the design intent was to create an open tower that complements the architectural structures around the park in a unique way,” Elliott said.  “The tower surrounds an elevator for access to observation platform levels, which are also accessed via a connecting,
triangular shaped staircase.

“During the design, the decision came naturally to use the existing architectural language of rusted pipes welded together in clusters and unfinished wood boards. The choice in building materials helped define the structural system of the tower and its image, but most importantly, it is a key element in the balance between the building and its natural surroundings.

   “The use of building materials left to weather help integrate this vertically dominant element into the natural landscape.”

  Elliott says the team kept the pipe concept of the nearby park structures, but expanded it vertically to over 80 ft. tall by combining the individual pipe sections into composite, built-up members to resist the more demanding loads. The structure is comprised almost entirely of 3” diameter, extra strong pipe, he said.

  “Revit Structure (Revit) was used to help understand the geometrical relationship of the connecting members,” Elliott said.  “Since the pipe members typically pass over, under and between one another, accurately identifying the geometry was the key to laying out the structure.

“The complicated structure to both detail in pre-construction and then erect during construction proved to be challenges that were overcome through many coordination meetings with our entire team.

  “Throughout the pre-design phases of the project, Revit was used as a visualization tool that helped the design team and the Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife understand the intricacies of the structural system, and how choices of materials, colors, and lighting fixtures would influence the image of the tower. 

“Revit was also instrumental in the coordination among design team members and was used as a basis to initiate the structural analysis model,” he said.

  “The most difficult aspect of the structure is how the pipes interconnect. Coordinating their elevations to avoid direct conflicts was made possible in 3D. The software’s internal conflict notification features allowed the team to focus on particularly challenging areas in more detail and provide a system of checks throughout the design stage.

  “Integrating the structural model with the architectural model was helpful to identify conflicts with architectural finishes, handrail assemblies and the structural framing members. These systems are closely integrated for the complex geometry of the structure to work out.

  “In addition, the stair and boardwalk were key elements in the design of the tower. Both of these elements guide the succession of the views and have the potential to either obstruct or reveal the primary views. Therefore, the designers experimented extensively with these circulation elements, seeking their best configuration and orientation on the site.”

  Elliott says SpawGlass has previously built several World Birding Centers for the Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife, and is currently working on a project at Mother Neff State Park.

  SpawGlass is a general contracting firm.  The company provides preconstruction, construction and management services.    –ab

Professional team:
Design team:  AEC and PDG Architects
Steel fabricator:

Associated Steel Fabricators

©2011 Construction News, Ltd.