Design‑Build Success Delivers Innovative Research Greenhouses
WSU Washington Grains Plant Growth Facility
This state-of-the-art greenhouse facility greatly expands WSU’s ability to conduct research on small grains with 7,200 square feet of greenhouse space, a seed storage area, a specialized room for herbicide studies, and new lab space for breeders and other faculty, students, and staff.
This 22,800 SF state-of-the-art greenhouse facility greatly expands WSU’s ability to conduct research on small grains such as wheat and barley, which directly contribute over $1.1 billion annually and more than 3,700 jobs to Washington’s economy. The new building adds 7,200 square feet of innovative research greenhouse space in 12 bays and includes a seed storage area, a specialized room for herbicide studies, and new lab space for breeders and other faculty, students, and staff. The new facility delivers quality research space designed to meet the latest in technological advancements for energy efficiency, balanced with the project’s need for maximizing unobstructed daylight in the growing zones. Hoffman’s design-build team worked with WSU to optimize the number of greenhouse zones and helped maximize the budget by eliminating duplicate functions in the new and old facilities.
Challenge
WSU needed a modern greenhouse complex for the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, with state-of-the-art laboratory greenhouse space where researchers can collaborate.
Solution
Hoffman and the design team developed an approach to the site planning and building design that builds on the existing complex and allows the final building to be managed as one facility, encouraging interactions amidst distinct program spaces. The air handler systems and controls are computer controlled and can be operated remotely.
