University of Idaho Arena Transforms World of Mass Timber Construction

Friday, March 26, 2021

The under-construction Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Arena at the University of Idaho is already gaining fame in the world of mass-timber construction.  In association with Opsis Architecture, Hastings+Chivetta has been a key player in making this 4,000-seat arena come to life complete with distinct, long-span mass timber elements unseen anywhere else in the nation.

The Architect’s Newspaper recently featured an in-depth article highlighting the design team’s accomplishment in forging the future of mass timber construction utilizing wood products sourced locally in Idaho.  The ICCU Arena pays homage to its the surroundings in the Palouse region of the northwestern United States at the foothills of the of the Rocky Mountains’ Bitterroot Range, while also utilizing natural resources from the University of Idaho’s Experimental Forest.  Read the article to learn more about this innovative design approach.

Additionally, WoodWorks Innovation Network recently featured the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena project and provided another look behind the scenes.  When completed later this year, the Arena will become the new home of the Vandal’s varsity basketball teams, as well as a dynamic event space for a variety of University and community functions.

To get a new perspective on this impressive facility, check out this construction highlight reel complied by the University of Idaho.