SDSU Imperial Valley Sciences and Engineering Laboratories
San Diego State University expanded its Imperial Valley campus by adding a new STEM building. This 40,000-square-foot project will serve as a beacon on campus and provide STEM resources to SDSU students. This design-build project houses innovative science and nursing programs.
The STEM lab provides teaching and research labs to the SDSU students based in Imperial Valley. This project is very different than most. This will be an “all-electric” project. This complies with California’s decarbonization plan. Additionally, the project is set to achieve LEED Gold certification.
A.O. Reed’s mechanical scope includes installing chilled water and heating hot water. This is generated from a 220-ton air-cooled chiller and heat pump heaters. There are two 100% outside air handling units and an air handling unit serving the office and conference areas. The labs will have Accutrol lab control valves for lab supply and exhaust.
The plumbing scope includes the installation of domestic water. This is generated by air source heat pumps. The lab plumbing systems include propane, lab compressed air, lab vacuum, and RO/DI systems with point-of-use polishers.
This innovative lab will be a starting point for the SDSU Brawley campus and the push for decarbonization in California. The new STEM facility is designed to encourage and expand the community's understanding of scientific findings and research. The STEM lab had an 18-month construction schedule and was completed in August 2025.
