Introduction: Architects thrive on bold ideas—designs that tell stories reflect communities, and inspire those who experience the spaces they create. At BKBM Engineers, we see ourselves not just as engineers but as partners in making those bold visions a reality. The White Bear Lake High School additions project, a collaboration with Wold Architects and constructed by Kraus-Anderson, demonstrates how creative problem-solving and technical expertise can bring ambitious architectural concepts to life.
With a stunning new commons area inspired by the community’s sailing heritage and safety-focused storm shelters woven into the campus design, this project showcases BKBM’s ability to balance innovation, constructability, and cost-effectiveness—all while preserving the integrity of the architect’s vision.
Sailing-Inspired Design Brought to Life
The new commons area needed to reflect White Bear Lake’s maritime culture, with its columns emulating sailboats docked and listing at various angles. This concept presented unique structural challenges: creating non-uniform, slanted columns that appeared dynamic and individualized, yet were cost-effective to design and feasible to construct.
Our team developed a radial grid system to turn this vision into reality with a uniform 7-degree slant applied to each column. This approach not only captured the desired visual effect of non-uniformity but also simplified detailing, fabrication, and construction. By leveraging this creative engineering solution, we preserved the design’s unique character while optimizing for efficiency—a perfect example of how collaboration between architects and engineers leads to smarter outcomes.
Balancing Safety and Structural Innovation
Beyond aesthetics, the project added critical safety features to the campus:
- Storm Shelter 1: A two-level, 16,000-square-foot space retaining earth on two sides, designed to provide robust protection against extreme weather.
- Storm Shelter 2: A 9,000-square-foot structure engineered to address the complexities of an adjacent collapse hazard.
Integrating these storm shelters into the design required adaptive solutions that maintained the overall architectural harmony while meeting rigorous safety and structural requirements. Our ability to anticipate challenges and provide customized engineering strategies ensured these shelters seamlessly complemented the campus’s functionality and visual appeal.
Navigating Complex Constraints
As if executing an intricate design wasn’t enough, this project came with additional challenges:
- The new construction was confined to a tight triangular space between three existing circular buildings.
- Radiused walls and a 2-hour fire separation requirement further complicated the junction between new and existing structures.
BKBM’s problem-solving skills shone in how we addressed these constraints:
- Field Flexibility: We oriented framing and joist tails for easy adjustments in the field, enabling precise fits against the existing structures.
- Dimensional Tolerances: Built-in “fuses” within the framing system allowed for adjustments during construction, accommodating the tight space and reducing potential delays.
- Slanted Columns at Tie-In Points: To maintain design continuity, we extended the sailboat-inspired aesthetic into the transition areas with cantilevered beams and slanted columns. These structural decisions upheld the architectural intent while ensuring constructibility.
Collaboration: The Backbone of Success
This project would not have been possible without strong partnerships. Working closely with Wold Architects, we ensured the structural framework aligned seamlessly with their creative vision. The collaboration extended to the construction phase, where our adaptable designs enabled Kraus-Anderson to navigate the site’s tight constraints without delays or cost overruns.
We see projects like this as an opportunity to show architects that they don’t need to compromise their designs to make them buildable. Instead, we offer solutions that enhance their vision while addressing real-world challenges.
Conclusion: Building Bold Together
The White Bear Lake High School additions project is more than a case study in structural engineering; it’s a testament to how creativity and problem-solving can turn ambitious architectural ideas into tangible spaces that inspire. From dynamic column designs to robust storm shelters, BKBM Engineers was proud to partner with Wold Architects and Kraus-Anderson to deliver a project that balances beauty, safety, and functionality.
For architects seeking an engineering partner who embraces bold challenges and finds solutions that elevate designs, BKBM Engineers is ready to collaborate.
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
Contact James Dorr, Structural Project Manager, to discuss how BKBM can help you bring your boldest designs to life.
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