[UPDATE! CVM's work has garnered the attention of the Philadelphia Inquirer's architectural critic, Inga Saffron.]
The Treewalk at Morris Arboretum, part of the Arboretum's "Out on a Limb" exhibit, and constructed by CVM, is open to the public as of July 4, 2009.
Designed by the Metcalfe Architecture & Design, the walkway will provide visitors of all abilities with unique access to the tree canopy. The project also features extensive climbing nets for children and a unique "birds nest" where vistors can get a sense of living among the trees.
The project is marked by the unique challenges it presented for construction. Existing old-growth trees required protection while new foundations were poured and steel erected just a few feet away. The goal of the project is to meld new accessibility with existing plant life so that a wider audience can enjoy the arboretum in a new and exciting way.
According to Ken Balch, Project Executive for CVM, the project required a unique approach. "Trees don't come in standard dimensions and are generally not plumb. Building in such close proximity to them requires enormous precision, creativity, and flexibility."
CVM Construction provides a full range of construction services to commercial, institutional, industrial, and multi-family residential clients and owners throughout the Delaware Valley and Mid-Atlantic Region. Since 1995, CVM Construction has helped clients and owners ranging from the country's most prestigious universities to Fortune 100 companies.
CVM Engineers is a multi-faceted engineering firm providing structural engineering and building envelope engineering and diagnostics services to architects, allied design professionals and facility owners nation wide. Project types include the structural design and building envelope engineering for: office buildings; classroom, research, residential, library, student, athletic and recreation facilities for communities, colleges and universities, as well as museums, visitors’ centers, performing arts buildings and parking structures. Additional project types include adaptive re-use of historically significant structures, including façade assessment and rehabilitation. Founded in 1987, the firm has grown to a staff of over 40 structural engineers, materials scientists, technicians and support staff. Many of our professional staff hold advanced degrees in engineering and architecture. CVM is known for developing innovative structural systems for architecturally significant buildings and has been the engineer of record for many award winning projects.
The Morris Arboretum is a 92-acre horticulture display garden that features a spectactular collection of rare and mature trees in a landscape that originated in the Victorian era. The Arboretum features numerous picturesque spots such a s a formal rose garden, fountain gardens, swan pond, meadows and the elegant Fernery. The Morris Arboretum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
