Working from August 2009 to July 2011, SpawGlass Contractors Inc. completed the University of Texas Marine Science Institute Reserve Headquarters and Lab Expansion with a focus on sustainability.

Photo courtesy of SpawGlass Contractors, Inc.
University of Texas Marine Science Institute Reserve Headquarters and Lab Expansion

The $15.8-million building complex is constructed mainly of architectural/structural concrete and structural steel with high contents of recycled components.

To increase energy efficiency, the three-building complex is hemispherically tilted, making for shaded windows in summer and sunlit windows in winter, decreasing the facility's heating and cooling needs. The SpawGlass team also diverted as much waste from the landfill as possible during construction, with a diversion rate of 82%.

Key Players

Owner: The University of Texas System, Austin, Texas

General Contractor: SpawGlass Contractors Inc., Harlingen, Texas

Lead Design: Richter Architects, Corpus Christi, Texas

Submitted by SpawGlass Contractors Inc.