September Snapshot: Catalyst Comes to Life
Katerra Snapshot is a monthly series highlighting updates and progress across Katerra’s portfolio of work. This month highlights the projects, products, and technology driving our work today and our vision of the future.
? Benjamin Benschneider
Catalyst Comes to Life
Catalyst is the result of a unique collaboration between a cross-industry team of partners, including Avista, McKinstry, and Eastern Washington University (EWU) with Michael Green Architecture (MGA) and Katerra providing design, architecture and construction management as well as supplying Cross-laminated timber. Catalyst is one of the largest net zero energy buildings in North America and one of the first net zero carbon buildings set to be certified by the International Living Future Institute.
? Benjamin Benschneider 
? Benjamin Benschneider 
? Benjamin Benschneider 
? Benjamin Benschneider 
? Benjamin Benschneider 
? Benjamin Benschneider 
? Benjamin Benschneider
The Future of Sustainable Building
Katerra and Michael Green Architecture (MGA) are exceptionally proud to be at the forefront of the Mass Timber movement. On the heels of the virtual Grand Opening celebration for the Catalyst Building on September 18, the project was proudly featured in a series of media articles.
- As Concerns Over Climate Change Rise, More Developers Turn to Wood – The New York Times
- Katerra and Michael Green Architecture Complete the Catalyst Building in Spokane, WA – Architect’s Newspaper
- The Catalyst Building Now Open in the University District – Spokane Spokesman-Review
- Groundbreaking New Building Opens Near Downtown Spokane – Spokane Public Radio
“With environmental benefits and lower labor costs, mass timber has grown into a market that could rival steel and concrete in the construction industry.”
Keith Schneider, The New York Times
“Catalyst demonstrates how the built environment can be constructed and operated for our partners, our clients, our communities and our planet to deliver sustainability and impact, not just physical space.
Katerra’s drive to change the status quo of how buildings are built with their CLT product and prefabrication approach aligned perfectly with the team brought together to design and build this visionary building.”
Dean Allen, CEO – McKinstry, Catalyst Developer
Catalyst Case Study: a Fully-integrated Mass Timber Project
The Catalyst Building is also the first proof point in Katerra’s integrated approach to mass timber, with Katerra Design Partner, Michael Green Architecture (MGA) design anchoring Katerra design as Architect of Record, and brought to life by Katerra Construction using Cross-laminated Timber from our Spokane Factory, 15-miles from the building site.
Hear what Michael Green, Principal MGA and Craig Curtis, Head Architect, Mass Timber Platforms have to say about why mass timber is the future of sustainable, low-carbon building.
Catalyst Wins Fast Company Innovation by Design Honorable Mention
The Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards recognize people, teams, and companies solving problems through design. One of the most sought-after design awards in the industry, Innovation by Design is the only competition to honor creative work at the intersection of design, business, and innovation.
Katerra is grateful for this award that recognizes the cross-team partnership that brought Catalyst to life and the potential of the project to inspire the next generation of sustainable, low-carbon building.
KOVA Lighting expands offering with new line of cost-effective, feature-rich LED lighting solutions
This month we announced the launch of a new line of KOVA LED lighting solutions. Combining easy installation and customizable features—including brightness settings and light color options, the KOVA LED line includes a variety of bulbs and fixtures, including A19, BR30, and LED “Corn Cob” bulbs, strip and wrap fixtures, backlit panels and commercial downlights. The entire line of products is in stock and available for direct wholesale ordering, and select products are available online via The Home Depot and e-conolight. Learn more.
KOVA Snap Wrap Easy-Install Wrap Light 
KOVA LED Corn Cob HID Replacement Lamps 
KOVA Lighting
Project Updates
Lord Aeck Sargent (LAS) Completes Redesign and Renovation of Hill Library
It may not be your typical back to school this year, but the reimagined Hill Library is helping provide flexible new learning spaces for the students of North Carolina State Unversity (NCSU).
Visible from the campus pedestrian court through a new curtain wall, the monumental 4-story open stair invites students and patrons to explore the DH Hill Library on NC State’s main campus. Insertion of the Academic Success Center provides the community with an engaging one-stop hub for academic, technology and career resources. Two full floors of existing book stacks and seating areas were replaced by student support services, open study areas, small group study rooms and technology-specific studios.
Learn more about the NCSU project.
DH Hill Library Open Stair 
NCSU DH Hill Library 
Hill Library Academic Success Center
Colorado
The Victor | Construction Complete
Katerra completed construction in September on The Victor, an apartment building nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado. Close to City Park, the development includes 26-units and totals 43,000 square-feet. The design was inspired by Italian architecture with clean, modern lines and elegant interiors. Units feature the latest smart home technologies including automated controls and security. View the project.
Colorado
The Standard at Fort Collins | Construction Complete
Modern Student Living. The Standard at Fort Collins is an apartment development located near Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado. The units, available in private and multi-room floor plans, radiate elegance and relaxation. After a day of classes at CSU, your apartment will welcome you home and into the lap of luxury. Enjoy being centrally located and nearby everything you desire — resort-style amenities, retail shopping, local eateries, festivals, a vibrant community, breathtaking nature, and a top-notch education. Learn more about the project.
Virginia
The Artistry at Winterfield | Project Update
Artistry at Winterfield is the first and largest apartment community in Powhatan County, Virginia with 15 individual three-story buildings and 200 units total providing needed multifamily residential to the area. The 210,000 sq. ft. garden-style project delivers comprehensive amenities including 305 surface parking spaces, pool with grille stations, fire pit, fitness center, courtyard, bike storage, fitness center and club house, co-working space, and a dog wash/spa area. View the project.
Virginia
Tapestry West Kinsale | Groundbreaking
Tapestry West – Kinsale will be a 262-unit, five-story apartment community in Richmond, VA, retroactively attached to an existing parking structure. Amenities will include a fitness center with bike lounge, club-room, meditation room, study lounges, co-working spaces, pool, courtyard, and outdoor grilling/seating areas. The project, which broke ground August 2020, is now in construction and set to be completed in early 2022.
Virginia
Whispering Oaks | Renovation Complete
The Mid-Atlantic recently completed a renovation of Whispering Oaks Apartments, a six-story, mid-rise apartment building located in the highly sought-after neighborhood of Arlington, VA, minutes from Washington, DC.
Contemporary finishes and amenities have helped transform the apartments, built in 1958, into a modern living experience. The project team encountered many unforeseen structural challenges, but were able to overcome them and maintain critical milestone dates. The Owner praised the level of quality and attention to detail. Learn more about the project.
Georgia
The Indy | Construction Complete
Solis Kennesaw II (The Indy) is a 172 unit development in Marietta, GA. The most complete student-friendly amenity offering anywhere at Kennesaw State University. Learn more about this project.
