California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences – a natural history museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco – was rebuilt in 2008 with sustainability at its heart.

The unique complex emulates a biodiverse parkland, using technical innovation to express a passion for nature and the Earth. The building’s planted roof provides significant thermal insulation, as well as a home to local wildlife.

Brands: Gartner, Permasteelisa

Architect: Renzo Piano Building Workshop, in collaboration with Stantec

Owner: California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park

Engineer of record & façade consultant: Arup

Main contractor: Webcor

The project

The concept

Sustainability is key to the Academy’s exhibitions, philosophy and day-to-day operations. A structure of bent steel beams supports the 112,000 sqm living roof and its ecosystems. Like the original museum, the building is organised around a central courtyard, which is partially covered by an open concave glass canopy with motorised vents, representing a spider’s web. In a seismic zone, the complex was designed to be earthquake-proof.

What did we do?

We designed, manufactured, engineered and installed aluminium, steel and glass wall systems, custom-made skylights and canopy, and a 27m diameter fully-glazed dome construction – the Bolla. For the wall system, we supplied 350 prefabricated aluminium wall framing units, including fixed and openable windows and motorised vents. For the entrance areas and walls facing the courtyard, we developed welded steel mullion and glass structures, stabilised by tensioned external stainless steel rods to the main structure. The canopy at roof level employs welded steel columns with a 4,800 sqm glazed area and an integrated photovoltaic system.