A Carbon Neutral Administration Building Connected to Nature

The new mass-timber administration building for the State of Washington exemplifies innovation in sustainable design and public engagement. Constructed with cross-laminated timber (CLT) planks and glulam beams and columns, the building highlights the beauty and efficiency of mass timber while introducing a distinctive architectural gesture: a bend in the center of the building that “opens up” the form to welcome the public.

The transparent ground floor emphasizes this public-facing vision, featuring assembly and training spaces designed to foster collaboration and accessibility. Floor-to-ceiling glass invites natural light and enhances the connection between indoor activities and the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic civic hub.

The building is designed for net-zero energy performance, integrating rooftop and site-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate renewable energy. Advanced mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, including thermal storage, further optimize energy efficiency by reducing peak energy loads.

A custom ceramic frit on the glass facade enhances both functionality and aesthetics. The frit creates a dense striated pattern that conceals rain streaks, reducing the need for water-intensive cleaning over the building’s lifespan. This innovative detail reflects the project’s commitment to sustainability and resilience in the Pacific Northwest climate.

This mass-timber administration building is a bold step forward in environmentally conscious design, public accessibility, and the State of Washington’s leadership in sustainable architecture. It is not only a functional workspace but a symbol of innovation, transparency, and commitment to a greener future.

Carbon Neutral and Connected to Nature
At Western State Hospital, the New Administration building puts nature at the center of the design. The project preserves, protects, and increases natural open space, ultimately enhancing individual experiences to reduce stress in their services as healthcare and therapy providers. The building’s massing and façade design enables passive solar design, increases natural daylight and connects staff with views of nature. Treated with a variable streaked ceramic frit, the façade design minimizes the need for glass washing and thus helps conserve water over the life of the building. High performance architecture is paired with integrated engineering systems that drastically reduce energy consumption and a sitewide PV array that aims for net zero energy. The building provides a working environment with reduced stress.

This LEED Gold and carbon neutral designed administration building will improve the collective health of all Western State by enhancing natural connections, reducing embodied carbon through the mass timber structure, mitigating the buildings contribution to climate change, and providing a restorative effect to the surrounding ecosystem. This practitioner centered approach drove design decisions that address carbon, ecosystem, and health and wellbeing simultaneously.

Category:Green ArchitectureYear:2025Location: Lakewood, Washington, USAArchitects:Helmuth Obata Kassabaum (HOK)Lead Architect:Loren SuppGeneral Contractor: Clark Construction Group LLC.Client:Western State HospitalImages:Courtesy of the Architects