The 150,000-square-foot Catalyst Building is the first office building in Washington State constructed out of cross-laminated timber (CLT). Eastern Washington University is the anchor tenant, with space dedicated to the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; College of Business; College of Health Science and Public Health; and the Creative Writing MFA program.
Catalyst demonstrates the possibilities of integrating economic vitality, regional sustainability, and energy efficiency by leveraging the legacy industries of the region (such as timber) and innovation in the construction and education sectors. The use of CLT means the building has a smaller carbon footprint than comparable buildings built with steel and concrete.
Sustainable building features include a gray water system for rainwater recovery, low water flow plumbing, shower rooms to encourage commuting by bike, and smart building management to maximize building operations efficiency. The building further promotes energy efficiency through radiant heating/cooling, heat recovery of all exhaust air, high-performing building envelope design, LED lighting, and a sun-shading lobby.
