New Life Sciences Building at WSU Vancouver Opens for Fall Semester

We’re excited to announce that the new Life Sciences Building at Washington State University (WSU) Vancouver is now open, welcoming students and faculty for the fall semester. Designed by our SRG + CannonDesign team, the facility is a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to advancing scientific research and education.

A purpose‑built facility for advancing sciences 

The 55,000-sf Life Sciences Building is purpose-built to support the university’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 across the nation strive to upgrade their facilities to meet evolving student and academic needs, this project exemplifies what’s possible — an elegant solution that makes judicious use of available funding and is genuinely innovative. It provides essential space for the sciences in an incredibly sustainable, inclusive and beautiful building, all made possible by intense collaboration between the client and our project partners. We’re thrilled to see the groundbreaking work and discoveries that will happen here.”

Laurie Canup, SRG + CannonDesign senior client leader

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.

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 movable 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.

The success of the progressive design‑build model 

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.

“The delivery of the Life Sciences Building was a real triumph,” added Laurie Canup. “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.”

The project is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification.