Freedom House in Green Bay, Wisconsin, won the 2021 U.S. Wood Design Jury’s Choice Award from WoodWorks — Wood Products Council. Brookfield, Wisonsin-based engineering firm raSmith provided structural engineering services for the project.
Freedom House is a two-story, wood-framed building consisting of 7,000 square feet of residential space and 9,000 square feet of administrative space. The two areas are connected by an elevated wood, steel and concrete bridge.
Natural cedar cladding combines the two buildings, and light wood framing was used for all primary structural elements, including the walls, roof and floors.
Freedom House is built into a hill. A large retaining wall was needed to accommodate this challenging layout. The project also involved a hidden, flat roof to provide space for the mechanicals.
Freedom House Ministries provides transitional housing and programming to help families who need temporary living assistance. The new residential building offers space for up to 16 families.