UW Founders Hall, Foster School of Business.

The design of the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business Founders Hall prioritized innovative engineering to achieve sustainability and functionality. The hybrid structural system combines mass timber (glulam posts, beams, and CLT decking) for academic spaces and concrete-and-steel construction for assembly areas, reducing embodied carbon by 58%. Engineering expertise ensured seamless integration of fire-resistant timber connections, acoustic performance, and a high-performance building envelope, contributing to a 79% reduction in energy use.

Strategic material selection emphasized locally sourced mass timber, while site orientation preserved existing Douglas fir trees, creating harmony between the natural surroundings and exposed interior wood. Efficient mechanical systems and passive design strategies were tailored to lower operational costs—critical for the Foster School’s self-funded operations. The result is a collaborative, low-carbon academic space where engineering excellence supports both environmental goals and user needs.