Taking inspiration from the rolling landscape of the Palouse region, sculpted by the ancient Missoula floods after the Ice Age, the Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Arena, with its 4,000-seat capacity, serves as a striking gateway to the University of Idaho campus. Designed to be the home for the University’s basketball program, it also functions as a versatile gathering space for various events, including athletic competitions, concerts, conferences, and campus activities.
© Lara Swimmer
Idaho Central Credit Union’s Design Concept
The Idaho Central Credit Union offers an intimate viewing experience while celebrating the area’s unique features and deep-rooted ties to sustainable natural resources. Its groundbreaking design employs mass timber and an abundance of natural light, marking a departure from conventional steel and concrete sports arenas. This Idaho Central Credit Union was conceived to stimulate innovation in sustainable wood design, achieved through collaboration with local foresters and wood industry partners. © Lara Swimmer
Both the form and materials used in the the Idaho Central Credit Union reflect Idaho’s rich history while looking forward to the future. It’s intended to honor athletic accomplishments and serves as an educational platform for students in the University’s forestry and engineering departments. The arena showcases innovative applications of locally harvested timber in glue-laminated long-span trusses and ...