Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex

Engineered to support state of the art science research and learning, Sacramento State's Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex has a built-in astronomy observatory, a full scale planetarium and a working, two story Foucault Pendulum. The building is conﬁgured to provide new teaching and research laboratories for the Chemistry and Biology Departments in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM), as well as providing new space for the CNSM Dean’s Ofﬁce. The design of the five-story steel structure considered stringent vibration criteria to accommodate the use of high powered microscopes and nuclear medicine research equipment to teach and inspire a new generation of scientists.

Size: 95,000 SF
Architect: CO Architects
In addition to the vibration considerations, the project employed a new Special Steel Truss Moment Frame seismic resisting system which provides highly dependable earthquake resistance while leaving most of the floor area open maximizing flexibility for current and future uses.

Construction Cost: $91,000,000
Contractor: Sundt Construction
The building is being designed to LEED Gold standards (to be certified upon completion)

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