Kairos Power Southwest (KP-SW) R&D Campus

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Scope: Turnkey Design Discipline Management & Project Management

Facility Size: ~51,200 Total SF across two custom tension membrane structures

Shaping the Future of Clean Energy

When nuclear technology innovator Kairos Power set out to establish its Southwest facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the company identified an urgent need for dedicated R&D swing space. To support ongoing design, manufacturing, and testing activities, the new campus required tall, open, clear-span interiors capable of housing massive equipment while providing employees with optimal workspace.

RPM Team led the project management and oversaw all design disciplines to deliver a pair of core-and-shell tension membrane structures, bringing high-tech clean energy infrastructure online on an accelerated timeline.

Key Campus Facilities & Specifications

1. Modular Systems Building (100' x 300' | ~30,000 SF)

Engineered for equipment manufacturing, general operations, and office space, this expansive clear-span structure provides the footprint needed for large-scale assembly.

• Custom Equipment Access: Integrated a massive 30' wide x 22' high Flat-End Sliding Door (FESD) for effortless movement of oversized machinery.

• Personnel Access: Equipped with 10 double personnel entry doors.

• Thermal Upgrades: Originally delivered as a non-insulated shell, RPM assisted in managing a seamless retrofit to insulate the building for full climate control.

• Aesthetics: Finished with custom logo branding on an architectural membrane in Sandstone and Desert Sand.

2. TRISO Development Lab (90' x 205' | ~21,200 SF)

Dedicated to future laboratory spaces and advanced energy testing, this structure features a unique elevated mounting configuration.

• Container-Mounted Elevation: Installed directly on top of perimeter shipping containers to maximize vertical interior height for extra tall equipment.

• Service Access: Fitted with 20' wide x 20' high rolling service doors and double personnel entries.

• Aesthetics: Finished with custom logo branding on an architectural membrane in Sandstone and Desert Sand.

Turnkey Execution by RPM Team

Deploying specialized R&D space for advanced technology requires rigorous oversight. RPM Team managed the core-and-shell development from concept to completion, coordinating structural integrations, container-foundation engineering, and custom door specs with the manufacturer. By taking ownership of all design disciplines and project management, RPM delivered a flexible, cost-effective campus that supports Kairos Power as they build technology to shape global power production.