EM Structural provided structural engineering services for Cullman House, a seven-story mixed-use multifamily development located in Charlotte, North Carolina. This award-winning project combines residential, retail, and amenity spaces within a single urban development designed to support increased density while maintaining functional and community-oriented living environments.
The development encompasses approximately 443,543 SF and includes 294 apartment units, approximately 7,000 SF of retail and co-working space, and structured parking for approximately 345 vehicles. The project integrates residential, commercial, and shared amenity spaces into a cohesive layout that supports Charlotte’s continued urban growth.
Structural Design Approach
The building consists of seven stories of construction, with the first two levels constructed using cast-in-place concrete supporting five levels of Type IIIA wood framing above. Significant grade change was accommodated across the site with the use of cast-in-place concrete retaining walls.
This hybrid structural system was selected to balance durability, structural capacity, and construction efficiency. The two-level post-tensioned concrete podium accommodates parking and ground-level uses while providing the strength and stiffness required to support the wood-framed residential structure above. The wood framing system allows for efficient construction and flexibility in residential unit layouts while meeting building code and performance requirements for multifamily construction. Additional two-story townhome units were incorporated into the cast-in-place concrete levels.
Courtyard and Amenity Integration
The residential units are arranged around two interior courtyards, which serve as key amenity and open-space features within the development.
One courtyard is fully enclosed, creating a private interior amenity space for residents.
The second courtyard opens to the north and includes a pool and approximately 3,200 SF of dedicated amenity space. The pool was incorporated into the cast-in-place concrete structure.
Overall, the project includes approximately 10,400 SF or resident amenities, distributed throughout the concrete and wood framed areas, including a rooftop amenity area. Integrating these open spaces within the structural framework required coordination between structural and architectural systems to maintain openness while supporting the surrounding building mass.
Industry Recognition
The project received the Structural Engineers Association of North Carolina (SEA of NC) New Construction Award in the $50–$100 million project category. The award recognizes projects demonstrating engineering excellence, effective collaboration, and successful integration of structural systems within the broader design.
Project Team
EM Structural worked in collaboration with Avery Hall and BB+M Architecture to develop the structural system for the project. Coordination among the design team and ownership group helped ensure the final design aligned structural performance with architectural intent and long-term building durability.