Location: Milwaukee, WI
Products: DRD5S, 4″ Surface Mount Housing
Architecture: Korb + Associates Architects
Lighting: Korb + Associates Architects (with support from Wisconsin DMF Representative Spectrum Lighting)
Structural Engineering: Thornton Tomasetti
Developer: New Land Enterprises
Contractor: CD Smith Construction
Photography Credit: Nate Vomhof Photography

Constructed from sustainably farmed European white spruce from the forests of Austria, Ascent Milwaukee is the tallest timber structure in the world at 25 stories. It’s at the forefront of an exciting movement in building technology and aesthetics. Traditional steel and concrete construction contributes substantially to global carbon dioxide emissions. Mass timber construction, while being more expensive to produce, is cleaner, lighter, faster, and uses sustainably-forested renewable timber. It also allows the structural systems to double as finishes in a way that celebrates structural engineering, architectural design, efficient use of materials, and can offset some of the upfront structural costs.

Passing the fire testing was critical to receive the Variance Permits from the City of Milwaukee to construct a 25-story mass timber structure. Ascent MKE achieved a 3-hour rating fire test of the exposed glulam columns and 2-hour rating fire test of the CLT (cross laminated timber) slab that makes up the ceiling/floor. DMF’s fire-rated DRD5S Surface Mount fixtures were utilized to help achieve this result because of their ability to optically mimic a recessed fixture while being mounted in a junction box shallow enough to stay within the char layer.

DRD5S & SurfaceFrame

The DRD5S redefines what’s possible for a surface mount downlight. Packed with technical breakthroughs, the ultra-thin DRD5S matches the elegance of a high-end recessed downlight. Get the most out of DRD5S by installing it into our advanced octagonal junction box, the SurfaceFrame. Together, it’s even easier to specify, install and maintain and includes fire, sound, air tight and insulated contact ratings.

About Korb + Associates Architects

Korb + Associates Architects is a full service Architecture and Interior Design firm located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their team is driven by the principle of creating authenticity in their designs and relationships. They achieve this through an approach that is comprehensive, inclusive, and personalized. They have executed projects throughout the Midwestern United States, each time embracing the opportunity to enhance the community and environment.

About Thornton Tomasetti

Thornton Tomasetti optimizes the design and performance of structures, materials and systems for projects of every size and level of complexity. They are an independent organization of engineers, scientists, architects and other professionals who collaborate from offices worldwide to help achieve their customer goals. They are committed to being a sustainable, diverse and enduring organization and the global driver of change and innovation in our industry.

About New Land Enterprises

About C.D. Smith Construction

At C.D. Smith, they’re passionate about construction. Whether building a symphony hall for culture and entertainment, hospitals for healing, schools for learning or industrial facilities for development and manufacturing, their passion for the project shines through. They love what they do and believe that building trusting relationships with their customers, partners and their team is the strongest foundation of all.

About Spectrum Lighting

Spectrum Lighting is the premier lighting and controls agency in the State of Wisconsin, Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Illinois. Their commitment to excellence and integrity sets them apart from their competition while their customer centric approach ensures that their business partners receive the ultimate value, service and experience possible.

Visit Ascent Milwaukee.