Mass Timber, Major Impact: Robert S. '68 and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall Green Innovation
Robert S. '68 and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall is designed to achieve a Silver LEED Certification, including a 100 KW rooftop solar project, shown. The center promotes workplace development, research application and community outreach.By Samantha R. Kosmark, ‘26, student correspondent
The University of Scranton is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability through the construction of Robert S. '68 and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, a new academic building on the 300 block of Madison Avenue. Designed to achieve LEED Silver certification, Weiss Hall embodies the University’s dedication to environmental responsibility and forward-thinking design. A centerpiece of this effort is the innovative use of mass timbers, a bio-based material that is reshaping modern construction practices.
Ken Ruby of HC Architects, the building’s architect, collaborated with the University to ensure that Weiss Hall harmonizes with our environment. “Trees are the best natural carbon-scrubbing machines,” Ruby said, quoting a climate forest specialist. “And when you cut a tree down, and you mill it into lumber, that carbon is retained in the wood.”
By choosing mass timber, the University is not only reducing the environmental footprint of Weiss Hall but also supporting long-term planetary health. Natural wood finishes, stone, and tile have been integrated to create a sense of connection between the building and the natural world. One of the most striking design elements is the two-story-tall first-floor lobby, supported by mass timber columns and ceilings, with additional timber used throughout the upper floors to create spacious and warm classrooms. This design feature demonstrates that thoughtful material choices can shape both the appearance of a building and the future of our environment.
Mass timber is sourced from forests managed under sustainable forestry practices, ensuring construction materials contribute to environmental health rather than deforestation. Unlike concrete and steel, which require energy-intensive processes and release significant carbon emissions, mass timber offers a renewable alternative.
“The architect’s choice to use mass timber as a significant part of the building design truly shows they were listening when the University said they want this to be an environmentally friendly building and an example of the University’s commitment to sustainability," said Mark Murphy, director of design and construction for the University who has worked closely on the project.
