Out on a Limb provides an experience of the tree canopy from an entirely new perspective. The dramatic 450-foot wood and steel walkway offers visitors the unique opportunity to wander, play and learn while among the tree tops.

Early in the process, CVMNEXT was engaged as construction manager, advising the architect and design team by providing iterative cost modeling, sourcing and schedule analysis. A logistics plan was then developed that included pre-fabrication of structural steel elements and local sourcing of materials. This approach delivered cost-certainty, minimized disruption of the site and limited interference with visitor access, while maximizing and reinforcing efficiency and sustainability—two primary objectives for the client and design team.

The project received the 2010 Excellence in Structural Engineering Award for an Outstanding Project, and the 2010 AIA Philadelphia Design Excellence Gold Medal.

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Structural Engineer: CVM
Architect: Metcalfe Architecture & Design
Photography: Paul Warchol