Merrill Hall - University of Washington

Seattle, WA | Architect: Miller|Hull Partnership | Completion Date: 2004

Quantum Consulting Engineers provided the structural design for the replacement/reconstruction of Merrill Hall at the University of Washington. The original educational building was severely damaged by fire that destroyed valuable workspace, research papers, and books. The 20,000 SF replacement facility houses classrooms, laboratories, academic offices, public spaces, and the Elisabeth C. Miller Horticultural Library, which serves faculty, students, and researchers.

The U.S. Green Building Council awarded this facility a LEED Silver rating. Key to this rating was providing healthy indoor spaces that promote well-being and productivity, while conserving water and reducing the consumption of non-renewable energy. Other sustainable design goals included:

- Installing landscape and building features that lower dependence on artificial air conditioning.
- Innovative controls over passive heating and cooling.
- Using renewable materials and responsible finishes for floors, woodwork and furniture.
- Monitoring and displaying energy, materials and water savings.
- Use of solar energy.
- A green demonstration roof as a means to promote water management and resource stewardship, demonstrating to the community how rooftop vegetation insulates, enhances views, and mitigates storm water runoff.
- A cistern system for storing rainwater that can be used to irrigate the gardens and grounds.
- A landscape feature that showcases and illustrates rainwater harvest in its seasonal abundance in the Pacific Northwest.

Merrill Hall Reconstruction gained a Citation Award in the AIA Washington Civic Design Awards.

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