Milne Center for Ocean Science & Conservation
Located at the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., a science learning center integrates flexible design and efficient solutions to support public gatherings as well as the study of various marine animals.
Project
Overview
The Milne Center for Ocean Science and Conservation exemplifies how Butler precision engineering supports complex, mission-driven environments.
Designed for the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, the 18,000-square-foot facility advanced aquatic research, education, and animal care under one roof — all delivered with the assurance of Butler systems.
Longtime Butler Builder® Carlin Construction leveraged the proven performance of Butler framing, MR-24® roofing, and TBS™ insulation systems to achieve exceptional energy efficiency and durability. The integration of these precision-engineered systems enabled the architect to execute a complex perpendicular joining of two structures with complete structural integrity — a hallmark of Butler design expertise.
The Thermaliner™ insulation system provided a high-performance thermal barrier with a clean, finished interior aesthetic, while Butler engineering prepared the south-facing roof for future solar installation — ensuring the building is ready for continued innovation.
Through Butler’s legacy of performance and Carlin Construction’s craft, the Milne Center now advances ocean conservation with a facility built to endure — proof that when precision matters, assurance makes all the difference.
Since the Milne Ocean Center needed to serve a wide variety of purposes, it was important that the architect, David Holmes, of Capital Studio Architects, had flexibility in the design.
Carlin Construction recommended the use of Butler systems for this project, knowing that Butler could handle the complexities of design and engineering needed for perpendicularly joining the two separate structures that make up the Milne Center. Flexibility in design and use of Butler products and non-Butler products ultimately allowed for a customized structure that would meet the needs of Mystic Aquarium.
You would never have expected that we did this with a metal building. There is so much flexibility in designing with a metal building system.
The engineered adaptability of the Butler design allows the Milne Center to serve multiple functions. The first of these is about 11,000 square feet of conference and classroom space for events and ongoing educational programs. The conference space is large enough for as many as 100 guests and can now host larger fundraising events such as the annual Ocean Commotion Gala.
Before the Milne Center, classes were scattered throughout the campus. Now, there is one centralized area for classes to be conducted. The building is also home to the aquarium’s licensed preschool, aptly named Sea School.
The remaining 7,000 square feet provides for the needs of fish and invertebrate quarantine and holding, breeding of exotic species, research and recuperation for animals coming from the adjacent veterinary and surgery center. There are 15 tanks with over 60,000 gallons of water, the largest tank holding 5,000 gallons. These large tanks are key in aiding the center’s conservation initiative to breed their own fish and aquatic life rather than wild capture, furthering Mystic Aquarium as one of the leading aquariums in STEM and marine conservation.
Inspiring and educating people to protect our oceans through conservation has made Mystic Aquarium and its Milne Center a leading force in marine biology and environmental sciences — one that will be treasured for many years to come thanks to the partnership between architect, contractor and Butler products.
