Texas State Technical College—Construction Technologies Center
Architect: PBK
The Construction Technologies Center is a new approximately 129,000-square-foot, two-story career and technical education facility on TSTC’s Waco campus. It consolidates Building Construction, Electrical Construction, Solar Energy, HVAC, Plumbing, and Pipefitting programs into one facility featuring large hands-on instructional labs, classrooms, faculty offices, collaboration and student spaces, and flexible infrastructure designed to support evolving construction technologies and TSTC’s performance-based learning model.
Design
Scale, proportion, rhythm and materials were utilized to create a contemporary building that would be reflective of its purpose, attract talented students and faculty, while enhancing the campus’s identity. Diverse spaces allow for learning in a variety of different types of settings, including high-tech, purpose-built labs; flexible classrooms; team-based collaborative areas, and spaces for individual focus. Each space has its own character, scale, materiality, access to daylight and views.
Value
The Construction Technologies Center is designed for long-term value through flexible, adaptable learning environments that can evolve with changing technologies, industry demands, and teaching methods. Durable, cost effective, low-maintenance materials, including tilt-up concrete construction, reduce lifecycle costs and enhance building resilience. Electrochromic glazing minimizes glare and solar heat gain while preserving daylight, improving both energy performance and occupant wellbeing.
Wellness
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Community
N/APlanning
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School Transformation
The Construction Technologies Center advances construction education through adaptable high-tech labs, collaborative learning areas, flexible classrooms, and student-centered spaces rarely found in comparable facilities. Purpose-built to support TSTC’s Performance-Based Education model, these environments support instruction in Building Construction, Electrical and Solar Energy Construction, HVAC, and Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology.
Star of Distinction Category Winner