MIES - Hale County Animal Shelter

I've always been intrigued by Auburn University's Rural Studio.  There's a lot of good economical design out there, and the Rural Studio maximizes their resources (wood, cladding, joinery) as evidence of this.  This project, in Greensboro, Alabama, was a project born out of necessity.  Hale County is not a wealthy county, located along Alabama's poverty-stricken "Black Belt."

(Figure above shows wood mesh transferring load into a fixed steel plate).  In August 2005, the Rural Studio, on a $80,000 budget, met with the Hale County Officials, and discussed the construction of an animal shelter for the nearby community.  Together, they were able to raise $100,000 in capital via fundraising, a significant increase in funding.  Students from Auburn began construction on the project shortly thereafter.

The building’s orientation responds to the main wind patterns of the site providing the building with natural ventilation and fulfilling the 8-12 changes of air per hour needed by dogs to stay healthy. Also, its proximity to the road and easy access increase public awareness and use of the building. 

The facility’s linear plan allows for a clear distinction of private and public areas. Its design channels visitors through the building without the use of signs and also allows one part-time employee to have clear views of the facility necessary for safety of both the animals and the public. A viewing corridor, open 24 hours, gives maximum exposure to the animals which will help increase adoptions and other fees to help sustain the facility. 

The roof consists of pre-cut 2”x8” yellow pine, tongue and groove boards and corrugated galvanized metal. These materials and the shape of the roof are an echo of the old barn structures found across the South, shapes and textures that belong to this area. 

The lamella roof was assembled in the 3D computer program Rhinoceros, all measurements for the 2x8’s that formed the diamond pattern were taken directly from the model. The steel legs and their connection to the roof were also calculated this way. Construction started with the design and building of a jig. The jig allowed the four design-builders to build the roof in 13 sections. Once the pre-cut 2x8’s were assembled on the jig and connected with bolts, it could be raised with integrated hydraulic jacks and connected to the short steel columns. The jig would then be lowered and rolled on four wheels to start the process again. The building was stitched together section by section, and in a little over two weeks the main frame for this 46m (150’) long building was finished. Once the roof was finished, all plumbing and radiant flooring, as well as main electrical pipes were installed and the slab poured. The pods, office and exam rooms are standard wood construction, with the exception of steel beams that allow for a cantilever that emphasizes the entrance and bathing area. Construction lasted a little over a year, and in August of 2007, the building was able to celebrate its completion alongside many of the community members who had long been awaiting the needed animal shelter. 

Since its completion, The Hale County Animal Shelter continues to surprise visitors who realize “it’s very cool in here” and that natural ventilation really works, just as it still does in the many Victorian houses of the South.   The design is emblematic of quality Southern construction and still maintains a more modern structural integrity.  It is another reason why I continue to be entranced by Auburn University's Rural Studio.