Folsom Lake College Science Building

Folsom, CA

Built on a prominent public-facing hillside, the new Science Building at Folsom Lake College achieves the district’s goal of “Science on Display.” This showcasing of science was done by adorning every square foot possible with glass: The full-height glass curtain wall sets the tone for students as they walk through the two-story skylit hallway to find 12 different laboratories, each fashioned with a large interior window and expansive exterior views of the campus below.

The challenge of designing a light-filled, airy learning center despite the undulating and hilly site brought out the best in the project team. Initial designs featured 8,000 cubic yards of imported fill and a large, exposed retaining wall facing the campus’ main entrance. However, our team was able to eliminate this retaining wall and maintain the site’s natural state by incorporating a partially elevated first floor. This solution made the grade change across the building (appx. 20 ft) more manageable, greatly improved aesthetics, and realized appx. $750,000 in cost savings