South Puget Sound Community College

Currently under construction, is a 52,000sf Natural Science Building designed by the Miller Hull Partnership. The three-story structure will compliment an existing science lab and classroom building on the western edge of campus and create a specialized Natural Sciences Complex. The complex is clustered around a stormwater detention pond where the site’s water management will become an educational amenity for the Botany and Biology departments.

The new Natural Sciences Building will also provide specialized instruction for Geology, Physics, Anatomy, Chemistry, and Microbiology. All laboratory functions are housed in one three-storey wing, connected to a three story classroom and office wing by the buildings main entry, a large monumental stair and open study areas for the students. The building is targeted for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver accreditation.

Building Progress

The Natural Sciences Building has now been under construction for 10 months and is about 70% complete. The exterior envelope of the building is approaching completion as the contractor is waiting to receive the “okalux” glass, a window specially designed to project light deeper into the labs. The first floor interior walls and corridors have been textured and painted. Mortenson is now installing the dropped ceilings and casework for the labs. The wall finishes for the second floor are currently underway as the third floor is still being framed. Within the next couple of weeks, artist Kay Kirkpatrick will be hanging her “double-helix” art installation on all three floors of the central staircase. Building occupancy is anticipated for October 2008. Building 32 will be remodeled after the new science building is occupied and a new 1,050 square foot Greenhouse will be built by the existing one.