SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT — Global integrated design firm Stantec and local architect Vermont Studios, comprised of team members from Studio III Architecture and Scott + Partners Architecture, are providing architectural services for BETA Technologies' manufacturing facility in South Burlington, Vermont. The new 350,000-square-foot facility will produce the electric aircraft capable of transporting cargo or passengers.

Situated on 40 acres adjacent to Burlington International Airport, the new manufacturing facility will be highly sustainable and energy efficient, featuring all-electric mechanical systems, a high-performance exterior envelope, rooftop solar panels to harness free solar energy, and a geothermal well system tied to an energy recovery ventilation system. The structure of the manufacturing spaces will be framed in steel, and the office and support areas will incorporate a steel/mass timber hybrid.

The three-story facility, which will be constructed in two phases, will house aircraft assembly, office and support areas, and mechanical and service spaces. The main entrance will open to a large reception overlooking the production floor and direct access to all parts of the facility. Employees and visitors can also experience electric aircraft in flight with a full-size flight simulator located just off the reception area.

The building’s design reflects the surrounding community and natural environment. White insulated metal clad facades frame wide views of the sky above, and naturally weathering Corten steel fins accent entrances and provide warm-hued solar shading for the dining hall and office areas.

Flexible, collaborative, and open workstations along with private offices and meeting spaces offer a visual connection to the skylit production floor as well as the outdoors. Employees will have access to a full-service kitchen, cafeteria, and dining spaces that extend to the adjacent outdoor patio. Overlooking the airfield, multipurpose rooms provide a variety of meeting, training, and event spaces. Integrated bike storage, changing and shower rooms, and lockers supporting running/biking commuters and employee well-being are planned into the facility, utilizing evidence-based approaches.

“Designing BETA Technologies’ new manufacturing facility allowed our team to push the envelope in terms of innovative all-electric, zero combustion building technologies,” said Michael Grant, Project Executive for Stantec. “Our global commitment to sustainable design aligns with BETA’s focus on reaching net-zero, both with this project and future operations, and we’re proud to have a hand in delivering cutting edge sustainable design that reflects the context of the local environment and the mission of our client.”