YAF + Mass Timber: Western State Hospital Construction Tour
Designed by HOK, the new Western State Hospital campus facilities in Lakewood, Washington include a 350-bed forensic psychiatric hospital and a Mass Timber administration building to support a forward-thinking model of behavioral healthcare. The hospital is designed as a therapeutic environment where access to daylight, views, and nature enhances patient treatment, safety, and overall well-being. Complementing the clinical facility, the administration building showcases mass timber construction with exposed glulam structure and cross-laminated timber decking that create a warm and calming environment for staff and visitors. Sourced from regional forests, including trees harvested on site, the timber structure reduces embodied carbon while supporting net-zero energy and LEED Gold goals. Together, these buildings demonstrate how material innovation and high-performance design can elevate both sustainability and human experience in healthcare environments.
Presented by Young Architect’s Forum + Mass Timber Committee
ACCESSIBILITY
This is not an accessible tour. It is an active job site, where much of the site is still irregular dirt and gravel, and some floor slabs are partial. Interior build out is underway in certain portions of each building, but getting to that point may require walking uneven paths, climbing stairs, and ducking under or around rope barriers. Attendees should be prepared to stand and wear required PPE. We encourage anyone with specific access needs to reach out in advance so we can share details and help determine if the tour is a good fit.
Security:
It is on a secure psychiatric campus where there are actively patients being treated in other locked wards and courtyards. However, the two new buildings are located away from active patient area and there will not be any security screening required for participants.
PPE:
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses or visor
- Reflective vest
- Gloves
- Long pants
- Boots
