Key Takeaways
- The Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion is a $141-million, 50,000-sq-ft facility that highlights the interconnectedness of human and marine life
- The project required early sequencing and detailed logistical planning among the three major teams
- The facility features a primary reef structure with custom CNC foam formwork, 335 tons of rebar, and 720 cu yd of concrete
- The project achieved LEED Gold certification and is targeting Zero Carbon certification
- The all-electric building and integrated MEP and life support systems reduce energy use, while semi-closed saltwater habitats recirculate 96% of seawater
Introduction to the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion
The Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion is a unique and innovative facility that combines living habitats, hands-on exploration, and behind-the-scenes functions to highlight the interconnectedness of human and marine life. Located in Seattle, the $141-million, 50,000-sq-ft facility is a significant addition to the city’s aquarium scene. The project was submitted by Turner Construction Co. and was led by LMN Architects, with Magnusson Klemencic Associates serving as the civil/structural engineer and PAE Consulting Engineers as the MEP engineer. The exhibit design was handled by Thinc Design, and the project was owned by the Seattle Aquarium Society.
Project Planning and Execution
Realizing the Ocean Pavilion required careful planning and execution among the project’s three major teams. The primary reef structure was a complex component of the project, involving custom CNC foam formwork, 335 tons of rebar, and 720 cu yd of concrete placed in a single 22-hour pour. Additionally, more than 435,000 ft of MEP and life support systems were precisely modeled and installed alongside 200-plus equipment pieces. The project team had to carefully sequence the work to ensure that all components were installed correctly and efficiently. This required detailed logistical planning and coordination among the teams to avoid delays and ensure a smooth construction process.
Construction Challenges and Solutions
One of the significant challenges faced by the project team was building an overlook walk over and within the aquarium structure. This required careful coordination of overlapping tower cranes, bridge falsework, and reshoring. To address this challenge, temporary steel beams were installed to transfer bridge loads around critical life support and electrical rooms, allowing work on both features to proceed safely and efficiently. This solution enabled the team to complete the work without compromising the integrity of the aquarium’s life support systems. The use of temporary steel beams also helped to minimize disruptions to the construction schedule and ensured that the project stayed on track.
Sustainability Features
The Ocean Pavilion is designed to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly facility. The all-electric building and its integrated MEP and life support systems reduce energy use, while semi-closed saltwater habitats recirculate 96% of seawater. The project also incorporated recycled rebar and low-carbon concrete, which helped to reduce embodied carbon by 32%. These efforts contributed to the project achieving LEED Gold certification, and it is also targeting Zero Carbon certification. The use of sustainable materials and systems not only reduces the facility’s environmental impact but also provides a healthy and safe environment for the marine life and visitors.
Conclusion and Achievements
The Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion is a remarkable facility that showcases the interconnectedness of human and marine life. The project’s success can be attributed to the careful planning, execution, and coordination among the project teams. The facility’s sustainable features, such as the all-electric building and semi-closed saltwater habitats, demonstrate a commitment to reducing environmental impact. The project’s achievement of LEED Gold certification and its targeting of Zero Carbon certification are testaments to the team’s dedication to sustainability. The Ocean Pavilion is an excellent example of how innovative design, construction, and sustainability can come together to create a unique and educational experience for visitors while promoting environmental stewardship.