Wedoany.com Report-Dec.27, Ramtech Building Systems, a design-build construction firm based in Mansfield, Texas, has completed a 26,880 square foot two-story modular office facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

The facility was assembled from 26 modules using Ramtech’s slab-on-grade modular system.

The building utilizes permanent modular construction methods to address the laboratory's specific technical and security requirements. It was assembled on-site from 26 modules, each measuring 14 feet by 60 feet, employing Ramtech’s proprietary slab-on-grade system. This method enables clear-span interiors, providing flexible layout options for occupants.

The project team included Wilson & Company and Thornton-Tomasetti Engineering, both located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ramtech’s in-house design team developed the initial floor plan and exterior elevations. Wilson & Company managed civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, while Thornton-Tomasetti handled the concrete foundation and related site-built elements.

Key features of the facility include a modular elevator, two stairwells, 14 private offices, large open office areas, breakrooms on each floor, four communications rooms, men’s and women’s restrooms, and dedicated mechanical and electrical rooms. The exterior design incorporates horizontal steel siding and a built-up SBS roof system to blend with the industrial appearance of surrounding LANL structures.

Interior finishes consist of non-static vinyl composition tile flooring, carpet and porcelain tile, textured and painted walls, and 2×2 revealed-edge acoustic ceiling tiles in a slim-line grid. Comprehensive life safety and infrastructure systems—such as fire alarms, automatic sprinklers, data and communications networks, and security installations—meet LANL’s strict standards.

The Type II structure is engineered to withstand typical wind and seismic forces in northern New Mexico and rests on a stem wall concrete foundation positioned below frost depth. Prefabricated stair towers constructed with 12-gauge steel studs ensure continuous horizontal diaphragm integrity.

Randy Van Zandt, Vice President of Operations for Ramtech, stated: “The remote location of Los Alamos posed unique challenges including typically higher construction costs and a limited pool of qualified contractors. Our permanent modular construction approach easily addressed these challenges by performing a significant amount of the work off-site which significantly reduced the construction time line and provided for substantial cost savings while also meeting the unique technical and security demands at LANL.”

This off-site fabrication strategy minimized on-site disruption and optimized efficiency in a challenging environment. The completion demonstrates the effectiveness of permanent modular methods for specialized government facilities, delivering quality, speed, and cost benefits.