Balfour Beatty US has commenced construction of the Northern Virginia Science Center in Dulles, Virginia.
The project, undertaken for the Science Museum of Virginia, will serve as a science hub for more than 300,000 visitors of all ages each year.
The new facility will encompass five main exhibition galleries named Flow, Helios, Wonder, Human, and Habitat, designed to offer practical and interactive days out.
These galleries will integrate aspects of nature and the surrounding environment. The centre will also include classrooms, multipurpose rooms, administrative areas, and exterior terraces.
Balfour Beatty, along with its design partner HGA, an interdisciplinary design company, is focusing on utilising sustainable design and building elements in the project.
These include the use of materials that minimise embodied carbon and the creation of pollinator gardens within the site’s landscaping.
The construction of the Northern Virginia Science Center is underway and is set for completion in late 2026.
Balfour Beatty US Mid-Atlantic vice-president Art Malacarne said: “Balfour Beatty looks forward to delivering the new 70,000ft² Northern Virginia Science Center in our community.
“Our project team is dedicated to being a champion for our client and plan to implement a collaborative, project-first approach to bring this landmark project to fruition. In partnership with the Department of General Services, our trade partners and project stakeholders, we will provide a premier facility that will inspire a love of learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics that fuels the next-generation workforce.”
Balfour Beatty US, part of the UK infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, handles construction related to general contracting, at-risk construction management, and design-build services for a diverse range of public and private sector clients.
The company has previously completed museum projects in Virginia such as the National Museum of the Marine Corps and memorials, including the Pentagon Memorial and the Air Force Memorial.
The company recently reported a 26% growth in the US market in 2024.
