Virginia Tech Tabs Skanska for New Science Lab Construction

By Eric Althoff

BLACKSBURG, Va.—Construction management firm Skanska, which is based in Sweden but has offices in the United States, has been tapped by Virginia Tech to build the school’s Undergraduate Science Laboratory Building.

The $70 million project—designed by ZGF—will entail over 100,000 square feet of laboratory and classroom space.  The four-story Undergraduate Science Laboratory Building will warehouse educational space for the College of Science, College of Engineering, College of Natural Resources and Environment, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.  The building’s laboratory spaces are designed to be flexible for multiple uses, and the facility will also feature study areas, student spaces as well as offices for faculty and teaching assistants.

In a recent announcement by Skanska, Greg Peele, executive vice president responsible for the firm’s North Carolina and Virginia building operations, said that the building will improve the scientific inquiry and instruction taking place at Virginia Tech.

“This building supports the university’s strategic goal to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing landscape of higher education,” he said.

Added Dwyn Taylor, assistant vice president for capital construction at Virginia Tech: “The construction of the Undergraduate Science Laboratory Building is an exciting new phase in the realization of Virginia Tech’s vision for the north academic district, as highlighted in our university master plan.  The Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities looks forward to collaborating with Skanska to bring this project to life.”

The work is due to be finished in the spring of 2024.