Project is Bringing New Science and Technology Building to Santa Monica High School

 |  Education
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Sundt is currently installing the building’s roof, framing, fire-proofing, and installing the mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems.

Sundt is constructing a new three-story, 68,000-square-foot science and technology building on the 100-year-old campus of Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, Calif. The $55 million school construction project is located right at the entrance to campus and has a modern design based on the extensive use of stainless steel mesh, perforated metal panels, and glass. Construction began in January 2012 and the building is scheduled for completion this December. Site improvements, which include a new softball field and parking, are anticipated to be complete in December 2014.

Currently, the team is busy installing the roof, framing, fire-proofing, and installing the mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems. They are also preparing for the “summer crush,” as Sundt Project Manager Ken Iacuaniello describes it.

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Artist’s rendering of the new science and technology building at Santa Monica High School, courtesy of RL Binder and Associates

“This is an occupied campus with about 3,000 students, and our project is in a high-profile location, so we have a lot to work around,” he said. “All of our deliveries and construction activities – even our noise levels – have to be carefully planned around the school calendar. Having a period of reduced occupancy during the summer will give us a chance to do work that can’t get done during the school year.”

The new building will include science laboratories, an auto shop, administration space, classrooms and more. This is Sundt’s first project for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.