Princeton University Environmental Studies and The School of Engineering and Applied Science

Princeton University's new Environmental Studies (ES) and School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) neighborhood replaces outdated campus infrastructure with a cohesive precinct of four buildings designed by Ennead Architects. The ES and SEAS buildings feature Glulam post and beam frameworks supporting Acoustic Dowel-Laminated Timber (DLT) floor and roof panels. A notable detail is the "necked down" beam ends that fork into columns, enabling direct timber-to-timber bearing and minimizing visible steel hardware while achieving a 2-hr Fire Resistance Rating.

The Princeton Commons anchors the precinct as its social hub, with a two-way hybrid timber-steel diagrid forming the third floor and roof structure. Shop-assembled Glulam and steel flitch plate assemblies achieve two-way spans up to 60', with chaseways integrated between members to facilitate MEPF routing. As part of one of the first all-electric science complexes of its kind, the buildings prioritize low embodied carbon through extensive use of mass timber.