PSU - Millennium Science Complex
On
PSU - Millennium Science Complex
PSU - Millennium Science Complex
PSU - Millennium Science Complex
State College
Pennsylvania
Completion Date
2010
Size
60,300 sq ft.
Garden Roof Assembly
Garden Roof Assembly
Project Type
New Construction
Owner
Penn State University
Architect
RV Architects, LLC
Contractor
Whiting - Turner Contracting Company

U.S. colleges and universities have always been synonymous with discovery and high innovation in the fields of engineering and science. On Penn State's University Park campus, a 297,000-square-foot building stands tall, and serves as an ongoing symbol of commitment to excellence in delivering advanced, cutting-edge research. The Millennium Science Complex, the University’s most comprehensive research facility and largest academic building, brings together esteemed faculty from Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Physics and Medicine all for innovative, interdisciplinary research.

 
The four-level tiered massive steel structure complements the unique architecture of the Penn State Campus and meets tight research requirements, such as removal of all vibrations and electromagnetic forces that could disturb sensitive equipment. In addition to this high commitment to precise research and development, the Millennium Science Complex also is committed to the environment and is slated for LEED® Silver certification in 2012, due in part to the environmental benefits of the roof assembly.
 
Installed by Kalkreuth Roofing, Hydrotech’s Extensive Garden Roof® assembly spans across ninety percent of the five-level, 60,000 SF roof and delivers energy conservation during extreme temperature and manages stormwater runoff. More than 118,000 plugs of 13 media types are planted in soil that was blown up to cover the high roof areas.
 
The building’s Garden Roof consists of Monolithic Membrane 6125 EV-FR (fabric reinforced, environmental grade, 25% recycled content) a hot fluid-applied, rubberized asphalt that forms a long-lasting bond to the substrate. Additional roofing components used include Hydroflex RB-protection sheet and root barrier, 5” of extruded insulation, Garden Drain GR 30, Hydrodrain 300 and 4” of Extensive LiteTop Growing Media.
 
Penn State officials look forward to the Millennium Science Complex to be a memorable campus structure, not only for its size, design and commitment to the environment, but also for what it represents, a commitment to outstanding research and innovation.