Appropriately for a building dedicated to science education, the 280,000-sq-ft project utilized several leading-edge design and building approaches to manage the work of more than 50 trade contractors during the 30-month construction phase. Early contractor involvement and lean construction approaches identified the optimal solution for the unitized curtain wall making up most of the facade, allowing natural light to reach nearly all interior spaces. A similar approach for identifying building control systems set the stage for smooth integration of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems before construction got underway.

Using offsite prefabrication, the project team safely crafted and installed 96-ft-long main steam and chilled water pipe riser assemblies and 20-ft-long overhead utility racks. The components were seamlessly integrated into the construction process, ensuring consistent quality while minimizing onsite labor and material needs. Another time-saving dividend of prefabrication was elimination of multiple levels of supply chain materials. After arriving on site, assemblies and racks were hoisted into place on each floor by a dedicated team of installers—a considerably smaller group than would be needed on a typical installation.  

Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the building utilizes natural ventilation systems and approximately 1,200 chilled beams for heating and cooling lab and office spaces.

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