THE IDAHO CENTRAL CREDIT UNION ARENA PROJECT

Building Type: Institutional

Location: Moscow, Idaho USA

Completed: October 2021

QB Corporation’s Products: Custom Glulam Beams

Photography: University of Idaho, QB Corporation.

ICCU Arena: Pioneering the Future of Engineered Wood Venues

Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Arena, located on the University of Idaho’s Moscow campus, is one of the nation’s first engineered wood venues. This remarkable facility showcases the immense potential of collaboration between the College of Natural Resources and Idaho’s wood industries. QB Corporation, a leading producer of glulam beams in Idaho, played a crucial role in supplying the Arena with custom glulam beams and columns, elevating its structural integrity and sustainability.

The Innovative Design of ICCU Arena

Spanning an impressive 67,000 square feet, ICCU Arena boasts a capacity of over 4,000 spectators and offers state-of-the-art amenities. The Arena is designed to be a multipurpose space, but its pioneering use of engineered wood truly sets this facility apart.

Engineered Wood: A Sustainable Solution

Engineered wood has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials: steel and concrete. It is made by bonding layers of timber together, resulting in stronger and more versatile beams and columns. QB Corporation, renowned for its production of glulam beams, was instrumental in the creation of ICCU Arena.

Collaboration with the College of Natural Resources

“The folks at QB were easy to work with and eager to find solutions to our unique building needs.”

Dennis Becker, Dean – College of Natural Resources

The success of ICCU Arena can be attributed to the collaboration between QB Corporation and the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho. QB Corporation helped bring timber products from within the Moscow, Idaho region, capitalizing on abundant high-quality wood. In some cases, the University’s Experimental Forest, a living laboratory for sustainable forestry practices, provided timber for the construction of the Arena.

Benefits of Engineered Wood in ICCU Arena

1. Sustainability: Using engineered wood, ICCU Arena significantly reduces its environmental impact. Wood is a renewable resource that helps to mitigate carbon emissions and promotes sustainable forestry practices.
2. Strength and Durability: Engineered wood, particularly glulam beams, provides exceptional structural strength. This allows for wide-spanning designs and ensures the safety and longevity of the Arena.
3. Aesthetics and Warmth: The use of wood in the construction of the Arena creates a visually appealing and warm atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for spectators and athletes.
4. Economic Growth: The collaboration between QB Corporation and the University of Idaho contributes to local economic growth. By sourcing timber products locally, the project supports the region’s wood industries and promotes job creation.

ICCU Arena at the University of Idaho’s Moscow campus is a testament to engineered wood construction’s limitless possibilities. With QB Corporation’s expertise and collaboration with the College of Natural Resources, this extraordinary venue showcases the seamless fusion of sustainability, strength, and beauty. As the nation’s first engineered wood venue, ICCU Arena paves the way for future innovations in the construction industry, inspiring other institutions to embrace this sustainable solution.