Swinerton Completes California State University’s First Mass Timber Building at Chico State

Swinerton Builders and its mass timber partner Timberlab have announced the completion of the new University Services Building at California State University, Chico — a first for the California University System and a key milestone in Swinerton’s expanding portfolio of sustainable higher education infrastructure in California.

Delivered through a Design-Build partnership with Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture, the $14.5 million, 22,132-square-foot, two-story facility consolidates campus operations into a single, efficient and forward-looking structure. Mass timber elements — orchestrated by Timberlab — serve as both a sustainable and aesthetic choice, enhancing the workspace with biophilic warmth while significantly reducing embodied carbon.

This project illustrates Swinerton’s deep expertise in Design-Build delivery, a method that fosters early collaboration, improves cost and schedule certainty and empowers teams to make informed, value-driven decisions from day one. Swinerton worked closely with Dreyfuss + Blackford, Buehler Engineering and Chico State to establish clear performance goals and develop a flexible, efficient design that met Chico State’s evolving operational needs — all while navigating complex site constraints and a tight campus footprint.

The project was completed on time and on budget despite material lead time challenges and seasonal weather conditions. The prefabrication of structural timber components played a critical role in accelerating the schedule and minimizing disruption to ongoing campus activities.

The University Services Building reflects Chico State’s and the CSU system’s growing commitment to building responsibly in the face of a changing climate. With clean lines, abundant daylight and regionally sourced materials, the facility is expected to serve as a model for future sustainable development across campus.