Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion

Seattle, Washington | Critical Environments

Hermanson Company is delivering full mechanical design-assist services for the new Ocean Pavilion, a multi-level aquarium facility integrating immersive marine exhibits, large-scale saltwater habitats, and public-facing environments along Seattle’s waterfront. Working within a highly coordinated, irregular building geometry and complex exhibit layouts, our team supports mechanical systems serving both public spaces and specialized back-of-house aquarium operations, where life support systems and environmental controls are critical to maintaining aquatic ecosystems. The project’s design emphasizes visibility into support areas and building systems, requiring careful coordination to integrate mechanical infrastructure seamlessly within exposed conditions. Our scope supports the pavilion’s sustainability goals and high-performance standards while delivering reliable systems for the three-story structure, rooftop amenities, and diverse exhibit environments.

• Won Progressive Architecture Award and Build Washington “Excellence in Innovation” award in 2024. 

Completed in 2024

GC

Architect