Rua noted that his team and RHEINZINK also offered recommendations to avoid "oil canning," where the metal surface looks wavey and uneven. "This can be more noticeable depending on the size of the panel, the thickness of the metal material, and any inconsistencies in the dome's construction and underlying surface."
 
 "Each row is a little different," observed Rua. "First, we used CAD to visualize the layout on the screen. Then, we worked with Otto to build a 20-by-20-foot physical mock-up that replicated the dome about half-way up. These models allowed us to play with the panels' thickness, sizes and dimensions. This helped us make sure they didn't oil can and were not too small at the top or bottom."
 
 To maintain an overall symmetrical appearance, the zinc panels were trapezoid shaped and uniformly proportioned for each row, but were sized larger at the bottom of the dome and smaller at its top. SMS provided coils of 0.8mm RHEINZINK-prePATINA graphite-grey, which Rua's team then precisely fabricated as custom-sized, custom-tapered panels under factory-controlled conditions.
 
 "We put Elias Valencia, our shop foreman for over 20 years, on this project. Using our computerized folding and shearing equipment, he made every one of those panels – from the 32-by-18-inch ones on the bottom of the dome to the 9-by-18-inch ones on the top," praised Rua.
 
 He continued, "The panels then went to two of our most experienced zinc guys in the field, Robert Kahaunaele and Anthony Sullivan, who have installed many tons of zinc over the years. Because access was challenging, they often worked off a 135-foot-tall boom lift. They worked together in sequence, row by row, from bottom to top. At the end of the row, a specially formed, interlocking panel zips them together at the back so everything matches. Otto paid careful attention to the dome's construction. The zinc panels went on flat and tight for a smooth, symmetrical appearance. It turned out great."
 
 Rua added, "We like to take on these trickier projects. We've been doing zinc for about 15 years and have done a large number of projects with RHEINZINK."
 
 Sustaining Performance, Evolving Patina
 European buildings have relied on zinc's natural beauty, corrosion-resistant performance and proven longevity for centuries. Supporting LEED criteria and sustainable goals, RHEINZINK's architectural zinc material has a potential lifespan of 100 years or more with minimal maintenance. At the end of its use on the planetarium, the natural zinc material is 100% recyclable.
 
 Made in Germany, RHEINZINK introduced its zinc alloys to North American in 1992. Demonstrating its quality and durability, RHEINZINK's products have received ASTM approval per the B69-20 Architectural Rolled Zinc Type 1 and Type 2. Currently, RHEINZINK is the only manufacturer with a Type 2 designation, which was received for its prePATINA graphite-grey alloy. RHEINZINK-prePATINA products are specially processed to achieve their natural, pre-weathered patina during production. Over time, their natural finish will continue to patina.
 
 Strickland continued, "These resilient, sustainable materials are paired with the only naturally pre-weathered surface in the industry. Our unique prePATINA graphite-grey Type 2 zinc used for MoSaC's dome contains slightly more copper, which promotes a darker patina compared to other architectural-grade zinc."
 
 Under the RHEINZINK-prePATINA graphite-grey zinc tiles, AIR-Z structured matting creates an air space to manage moisture and a thermal break to manage unwanted heat gain. These attributes contribute to an energy-efficient facility and a comfortable interior for visitors. Beneath the dome, six digital projectors with multiple speakers present a state-of-the-art immersive experience.
 
 Blending Past and Future

For 15 years, D+B and Otto Construction collaborated on project iterations intended to preserve the historic integrity of the building, while respectfully expanding it for the community's beneficial use. Otto managed the facility's carefully phased rehabilitation, renovation and construction. Funding was secured in 2011. A groundbreaking celebration was held in May 2018. Construction was completed in 2021.
 
 Ready to open, MoSaC's resulting multi-volume structure combines the existing Beaux Arts Classical Revival Style of the prior power station with the contemporary design of the modern addition's exterior. The zinc-clad roof of the planetarium rises above the building's interconnected mass.
 
 The facility blends past and future, recognizing the original building's purpose as a power station and the technological advances of energy production. Formerly known as Powerhouse Science Center, the nonprofit educational institution updated its name to MoSaC in conjunction with its move to the larger facility, approximately 8 miles away from its previous location.
 
 For more than 60 years, Powerhouse has helped sparked "aha" moments for its 70,000 annual visitors. MoSaC continues to build on the institution's mission "to engage and inspire people of all ages to explore the wonders, possibilities and responsibilities of science." Future attendance to the new high-tech, hands-on, science museum is anticipated to attract approximately 250,000 visitors a year.