UCSC Biomed incorporates the latest techniques available for reducing energy for a research lab building with no compromise in safety and envi-ronment.

The building is located on the northeast corner of Science Hill, adjacent to the new Physical Sciences Building and directly north of the Science Library. The site is within close proximity to Sinsheimer Laboratories, Thimann Laboratories and Baskin Engineering Building – each with related programs. These adjacencies are intended to create a compact hub of interdisciplinary research and collaboration that preclude the unnecessary duplication of expensive space and equipment.

The building, completed in early 2012, is 100,000 gross square feet (gsf) with four fl oors of research laboratory, offi ce and administrative functions over a basement level vivarium. The fi nal program consists of 20,000 net square feet (nsf) of research laboratories, 20,000 nsf lab support space, 10,000 nsf of research offi ces, administrative offi ces and meeting rooms, and 14,000 nsf of vivarium.

Careful planning, with an eye to sustainability and human comfort factors are paramount. Daylighting, views, ventilation and design are balanced to provide a long lived, sustainable and pleasing experience for the research-ers and to enhance campus life. CAV systems have been chosen for ventilation systems for laboratories for decades. Recently, VAV (Variable Air Volume) systems have seen increased popularity as an alternative that improves energy effi ciency. However, these improvements come at a signifi cant cost and complexity premium. By matching ventilation rates to exhaust rates, constant volume systems can be employed to deliver enhanced energy effi ciency at lower cost.

Implementation of sustainable techniques and overcoming hurdles, chal-lenges and myths associated with research labs has resulted in a suc-cessful academic research environment. Exploring ideas of hybrid de-sign concepts, using mixed mode systems such as natural ventilation, CAV(Constant Air Volume) systems with night setback and chilled beams, Resulted in an appropriate solution based on process needs, client require-ments, environmental health and safety issues as well as sustainable goals that are tied to the broader campus setting and to Coastal California.

THE TEAM

EHDDDesign Leadership, Architecture and Interiorswww.ehdd.com

Guttmann & Blaevoet Consulting EngineersMechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, IT/Data, and Securitywww.gb-eng.com

Integral EngineersConcept, Schematic Design, and Commissioning. www.integralgroup.com

Rutherford + ChekeneStructural Engineeringwww.ruthchek.com

David Nelson & AssociatesLighting Designwww.dnalighting.com

Loisos + UbbelohdeDaylighting.www.coolshadow.com

Kennedy Jenks, Palo AltoCivil Engineeringwww.kennedyjenks.com

Design For ScienceLab Planningwww.designforscience.com

Ambient Air TechnologyWind Tunnel Analysis www.ambientairtech.com