Fotofocus

This contemporary structure will be the new headquarters and arts center for FotoFocus, a Cincinnati based non-profit group. Founded in 2010, FotoFocus provides programming and support for photography and lens-based media. Their new home will include approximately 3,000sf of gallery space on the first floor, 1,500sf of gallery space on the second floor, 835sf outdoor terrace, and 2,100sf of office space on the second floor. Historically, the organization has relied on other venues to host it's own curated events, but they can now look forward to having events in their own world-class facility. 

The structure features exposed CLT roof and floor planks supported by exposed glulam beams and columns.  This includes the extensive storage space at the basement level. Two CLT shafts are incorporated, with the interior of the stair shaft exposed to view. For lateral stability, wood sheathed CFS shearwalls, a steel moment frame, and two braced frames were utilized. Concrete foundation walls on spread footings were used along with the installation of rammed aggregate piers to improve the site conditions. The show-stopping stairwell located on the front right corner of the building features a large expanse of windows using HSS mullions to break up the panels. The architect arranged the mullions to imitate the grid lines seen if you were looking through the viewfinder of a camera, a perfect nod to FotoFocus's passion.