Luong Office
​Box Beams

The Luong Office box beams were fabricated from Baltic birch plywood and designed to create the illusion of long, continuous ceiling beams while meeting the logistical constraints of the building. Each beam needed to be transported via an 11-foot elevator, which required a modular design approach. To achieve the desired full-length appearance once suspended, the beams were constructed in segmented layers. A custom mortise-and-tenon joinery system was integrated into the design, allowing for precise alignment and secure assembly on-site, while maintaining a clean, seamless visual line across each beam span.

This project was incredible from the get-go, as the challenges presented created a unique problem to solve. From the initial design the concept was to produce parts easily replicated and streamlined with alignment dowel pins. This not only created an easy way to ensure all components were in their proper place, but generated rigidity within the structure itself. The mitered mortise and tenon allowed for the first horizontal beam to be 'locked' into place allowing for a tight seam, as well as ease of work holding during installation itself. The second tenon was glued in place, and fastened, while all pieces were fastened together via Unistrut, a machine fastener, and nut imbedded into the laminated beams at the precise locations.