Saiful Bouquet Structural Engineers, Inc. performed full structural engineering services for the new Saddleback College Sciences Building, a 3-story; 81,900 sq. ft. building that features an environmentally-friendly design with state of the art classrooms. In addition to the 26 modern laboratory spaces for academic programs this facility was designed for a higher vibration criterion. The triangular shape with a large central atrium opening includes a themed demonstration garden planted over an underground element to provide on-site retention of storm water, reducing the impact on the campus storm water system.

The structural system for the new science building consists of steel construction with eccentric brace frame as the lateral system. SBI evaluated several alternate structural systems and configurations during the early stages before settling on an eccentrically braced frame system which provided the most significant overall cost savings and was consistent with the District’s desires. The project is LEED Gold Certified. It was honored with the Project Achievement Gold Award presented by the 2017 CMAA Southern California Chapter.