The project also includes a greenhouse and growing facility with laboratory spaces supporting biology and environmental science education and research.
The building features a distinctive sloped metal roof and main entrance , incorporating a mass timber enclosure with Mass Plywood Panel (MPP) roof decking. The curtainwalls are predominantly clad with brick veneer and fiberglass windows in punched openings. RDH’s Portland collaborated with the design team to develop a pre-panelized wall system using MPP panels with factory-installed water-resistive barriers, including the window rough opening transition flashings. This approach supported Andersen Construction in efficient panel crane installation and continuous weather protection, reducing exposure to the elements and expediting the dry-in process. Due to the height of the panels, RDH also assisted in developing silicone sheet transition details at the building corners and roof-to-wall interfaces to maintain air and water tightness in the enclosure while accommodating lateral drift from seismic movement.
RDH worked closely with the design and construction team to develop strategies for protecting the MPP roof decking, which was installed following a wet winter. Whole building air leakage testing confirmed a leakage rate of 0.06 cfm/ft2 at a pressure differential of 75Pa (1.57psf), significantly outperforming the Washington energy state code maximum requirement of 0.25 cfm/ft2 at 75Pa (1.57psf).
