WSU Vancouver, Life Sciences Building

A hillside home for STEM education

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Delivered through the progressive design-build method, it stands as a national model for institutions seeking to create impactful educational environments that prioritize well-being, inclusion and sustainability — all while meeting strict budget and schedule requirements.

Client
Washington State University - Vancouver
Location
Washington, United States
Size
55,000 square feet
Status
Completed
LEED Gold

The 55,000-sf Life Sciences Building, designed by SRG + CannonDesign, is designed to support WSU Vancouver's expanding life sciences programs, featuring advanced laboratories for biology and chemistry along with specialized spaces for nursing, psychology, neuroscience, medicine and molecular biology. Delivered through the progressive design-build method, it stands as a national model for institutions seeking to create impactful educational environments that prioritize well-being, inclusion and sustainability — all while meeting strict budget and schedule requirements. 

As institutions nationwide upgrade their facilities to meet evolving student and academic needs, this project serves as a clear example of what can be achieved, offering an effective solution that maximizes available funding while incorporating innovative design.

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The building includes a greenhouse and growing facility that accommodates lab-based experiments, lectures and independent research projects benefiting biology and environmental science education and research programs.

Elevating science: Innovation on the hill

Strategically located on a steeply sloped site at the campus's edge, the building seamlessly integrates into the landscape, maximizing natural daylighting, enhancing energy performance and providing smooth transitions between interior and exterior spaces. Its brick façade merges modern and traditional design elements, ensuring durability and thermal efficiency while tying the building aesthetically to the existing campus architecture. 

One standout feature is the sloped roof, designed not only to preserve views of the Mt. St. Helens corridor but also to incorporate advanced sustainable systems, greatly reducing the building’s environmental footprint. The main entry, with a wall of doors that open fully onto a landscaped outdoor plaza, creates a unique indoor/outdoor experience rarely seen on campuses and is cherished for events and gatherings. 

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The plaza at the main entrance has become a central gathering spot for students across the campus.
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A wall of doors at the main entrance fully opens to a landscaped outdoor plaza, creating a distinctive indoor/outdoor experience that's a rare feature on campuses.

Inside, the building offers universally accessible and inclusive spaces that prioritize health and wellness, utilizing non-toxic materials, ample natural light and expansive views. Flexible work environments, accessible technology and moveable furniture create “hackable” spaces that students and faculty can customize to suit their needs. Artwork throughout the building celebrates the history of the land and the sciences, adding vibrant touches to a warm and welcoming interior. 

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Progressive design-build delivers

The progressive design-build model was instrumental in the project’s success, bringing design and construction under a single-source contract. This approach facilitated seamless collaboration with WSU and our build partners, driving efficiency and innovation throughout the project’s lifecycle. 

This model also spurred creativity, including the development of a pioneering prefabricated approach for the building’s envelope and roof. Utilizing mass plywood panels made from smaller trees and wood waste, the design significantly reduced the building’s carbon footprint by eliminating drywall and concrete wherever possible and accelerated the construction timeline. While the exterior of the building is largely covered in brick, the plywood panels remain visible in certain interior areas, creating a dynamic interior experience that aligns with the project’s sustainability and wellness goals. 

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The original plan estimated the team could install eight mass plywood panels per day, requiring twenty workdays to complete all 156 panels. However, one of our build partners, The Haver Company, installed the entire MPP envelope in just over four days. This significant reduction in labor time positively impacted both the schedule and the budget.
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Exposed plywood panels inside the building offer a dynamic visual experience, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainability and wellness.
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Flexible work environments, accessible technology and moveable furniture create “hackable” spaces that students and faculty can customize to suit their needs.

Testimonials

  • The delivery of the Life Sciences Building was a real triumph. The early involvement of all key players allowed the project to meet its goals — design, programming, function and more — resulting in a high-quality outcome that reflects the client’s vision and delivers a space that is both efficient and inspiring.

    Laurie Canup Education Practice Leader, SRG + CannonDesign

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