Saint Martin’s University Cebula Hall: Lacey, Wash.

Designed to Inspire

What does it take to inspire students to pursue careers that tackle some of the toughest engineering challenges of the 21st century? Saint Martin's University is placing its bets that first-hand experience with sustainable systems will be a key motivator. At Cebula Hall, engineering students can analyze and program photovoltaic panels, and get an up-close look at the building's exposed structural elements. The LEED Platinum building, which opened in 2012, was completed for a modest $225/ft² and boasts an energy use intensity (EUI) of 18.25 kBtu/ft². One energy- and cost-saving measure involved the selection of wood framing over steel.