University of Idaho, Arthur Troutner Archives
Moscow, Latah County

Location: University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844

  Pictured: Arthur Troutner house

Idaho architect Arthur Troutner was an architect, inventor and co-founder of Trus Joist Corporation. He is arguably the most important single figure in the development of wood technology because he pioneered the invention of technologies that revolutionized the use of wood as a composite structural material. As an inventor, he was the holder of over 50 patents for his numerous composite wood products, their fabrication machines, a solar mirror boiler, a wind generator, wood transmission towers and much more. As an architect, he designed prominent public buildings such as the Kibbie Dome in Moscow and the Boise Little Theater in Boise as well as many private residences.