Hyperion

Groton Hill Music Centre is a state‐of‐the‐art cultural venue that blends outstanding acoustic performance with sustainable design principles to create an inspiring space for both large-scale concerts and intimate performances.

Architect: Epstein Joslin + Picardy Architects

Completed 2022

Structural Engineering: Odeh Engineers (now part of WSP)

Largest mass timber project in New England

Mass Timber

Fundamental to the architecture is the exposed wooden structure. Southern Yellow Pine was selected for numerous reasons: for its warmth and ambiance; to reference the site’s former use as an orchard and the region’s agricultural buildings; and for its sustainable qualities.

A key challenge for our engineers was the sheer quantity of mass timber used, unprecedented in a performance space such as this, with straight and curved glulam columns, beams and decking. These form a major part of the structure. For example, the layout of the high arching columns in the concert hall was determined by their interaction with the acoustic performance of the space. The columns in the school and lobby spaces are tree-like structures branching out to support overhanging canopies above gathering places.

Less than a minute’s-worth of US tree growth

The vast amount of wood incorporated into the structure, together with the hybrid construction approach, gives the project a lower environmental impact than conventional construction. The project team estimated the overall glulam construction to be approximately 1 million board-feet of timber, sequestering over 2,300 tons of carbon dioxide from the environment. The 300-seat recital hall alone required approximately 136,000 board-feet of timber to build its glulam columns, beams and decking. It is estimated that the total amount of wood used on the project grew in less than one minute (considering the growth of American forests as a whole).

Innovative Engineering and Acoustic Excellence

WSP’s involvement in the project included advanced acoustic engineering to ensure that the performance spaces deliver pristine sound quality regardless of the event size. Their work helped integrate adjustable acoustic panels and diffusers, which can be fine-tuned to suit everything from orchestral performances to spoken word events. This attention to acoustical detail has helped Groton Hill Music Centre become a premier destination for artists and audiences alike.

Sustainable and Resilient Construction

Emphasizing environmental responsibility, the centre’s design incorporates sustainable building practices such as the extensive use of mass timber, low-emission building materials, and energy-efficient systems. WSP’s sustainable engineering solutions were instrumental in optimizing the building’s energy performance, reducing its overall carbon footprint, and ensuring long-term resilience. The use of locally sourced timber not only provides a warm, inviting aesthetic but also acts as an effective carbon sink throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Collaborative Vision and Community Impact

The architectural vision for Groton Hill Music Centre is one of openness and connection. Large glass facades and flexible spatial layouts invite abundant natural light into the performance areas, creating an environment that enhances both the artistic experience and community engagement. Beyond its technical and sustainable achievements, the centre is designed to be a vibrant hub that supports local cultural initiatives and music education programs. As noted on WSP’s project page, the collaborative efforts between engineers, architects, and acoustical specialists have resulted in a facility that is not only technically impressive but also deeply rooted in community values.

In Summary

Groton Hill Music Centre stands as a modern beacon of musical excellence and sustainable design. By integrating cutting-edge acoustic technology, environmentally friendly construction methods, and a flexible, community-oriented design, the centre offers an exceptional platform for live performance and cultural enrichment. The comprehensive engineering services provided by WSP were crucial in achieving these outcomes, ensuring that the centre meets the highest standards of performance, resilience, and sustainability.

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