Project Description

Modern Building lead a progressive design-build delivery of a new multi-story Science Building and Planetarium at Butte College’s Main Campus, along with major site improvements including demolition of the former Automotive Technology Building, solar carport structures, new flatwork and ties into the main campus artery for utilities and path of travel.

The Science Building features modern labs and classrooms for geology, physics, biology, and more. The building includes an expanded cadaver lab, collaborative “Sticky Spaces” where students can gather to study and prepare outside of the classroom, staff offices, support areas, and two elevators with secured roof access. The structure is cast-in-place concrete with architectural finishes. The exterior skin is a combination of plaster, metal panels, curtainwall, storefront and exposed cast-in-place concrete. The main roof is a Garland PVC roof, with copper roofing over the top of the planetarium. The project was coordinated through extensive BIM modeling due to deliver a functional and cost-effective design-build delivery.

The new Planetarium includes a smoke-shield coiling door, a light-lock entry, reclining seating, surround sound, and a 180-degree dome suspended from the cast-in-place concrete shell. Solar arrays were added to match existing campus systems.

This design-build project was completed with zero change orders, showcasing exceptional planning and teamwork.