The NOvA Far Detector Facility is an international physics laboratory and the site of an experiment that involved the study of neutrinos, subatomic particles that are among the fundamental building blocks of matter. The construction of the detector facility involved many unique logistical challenges related to the remote project site and the huge, very specialized equipment required for the experiment. The project involved building a 3.5-mile access road and supplying power to the isolated project site, blasting 40 ft into the granite to create a football field-sized space for the detector enclosure and, finally, building the massive 350-ft long concrete facility. A unique application of BIM technology led to the development of 3D laser scanning, which helped minimize layout time for excavation.

39,550 SF / 3.5 Mile Access Road / 350-ft Long Concrete Facility

Client: Fermilab Fess
Owner’s Rep: Hines Interests
Architect: Palanisami & Associates / Burns & McDonnell Engineer Co.

Awards: Top Project - Finance and Commerce, Twin Cities Business Magazine