Western Washington University, Carver Hall
Bellingham, WA
Business Type
Higher-education academic and fitness building
Size
165,000 square feet
Architect
LMN Architects
Owner
Western Washington University
Certifications
- LEED Gold
Transforming a 1936 landmark into a significantly larger, more energy-efficient facility.
Originally constructed in 1936, this historic hall underwent a major renovation and expansion that added 83,000 square feet while dramatically improving building performance. The design carefully balances preservation with modernization, integrating passive strategies, high-efficiency systems, and envelope upgrades to reduce energy use and enhance occupant comfort. The result is a revitalized campus facility that meets contemporary needs while honoring its historic character.
Special Features
Enhanced building envelope, including added insulation to the historic structure and high-performance glazing to improve thermal performance.
Passive design strategies such as shading, thermal mass, and passive cooling to reduce mechanical loads.
Daylight harvesting and dimming controls paired with a low power-density lighting system.
Demand-controlled ventilation with CO₂ monitoring to reduce energy use during low occupancy.
Heat recovery on all air-handling units to maximize efficiency.
Low-flow hot-water fixtures and reduced internal loads through low-power computing and phantom load reductions.
Gym designed for expanded comfort range, using fan-assisted natural ventilation to improve comfort during events.
