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The recently completed Merrill Hall at the Center for Urban Horticulture is the first green building on the University of Washington Seattle Campus. After arson destroyed the original building in 2001, Merrill Hall was reconstructed using sustainable building practices. Solar panels, low-flush toilets, a stormwater recycling system, and other environmentally-friendly features earned Merrill Hall a Silver LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), issued by the US Green Building Council.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the new Merrill Hall building is its demonstration green roof. This rooftop garden slows the flow of rainwater off of the roof preventing overflows of stormwater drainage into Lake Union. Planted with a selection of succulents that will handle the rain but also tolerate drought, the roof also keeps the building cooler in the summer and provides more wildlife habitat in this urban environment.

Trina Litchendorf studies oceanography at the University of Washington and is an avid home gardener.

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Merrill Hall at the Center for Urban Horticulture is the first green building on the University of Washington. Photo: Mary Levin