In 2012, the 90,000-sf Molecular Engineering and Sciences Building was completed on the University of Washington Campus. This past summer, the five-story, 78,000-sf Nanoengineering and Sciences Building was completed. The two connected buildings make up a 168,000-sf complex that accommodates growth in the molecular engineering and nanoengineering fields, responds to the evolving interdisciplinary nature of teaching and research, and fits within a historic, high-density area of the UW campus.
The new $87.8 million, ZGF Architects-designed nanoengineering building will house the UW Institute for Nano-Engineered Systems and is specifically equipped for the performance or organic, inorganic, and biomolecular synthesis. The limestone, aluminum and glass curtain wall facility can accommodate students and faculty in a variety of nanoengineering disciplines such as energy, materials science, computation, and medicine.
Photo: Aaron Leitz Photography.
Flexibility of space was a driver for both phases of the complex. Research labs were designed to adapt as the equipment, research, and faculty change. Overhead service carriers above the lab benches allow for researchers to “plug and play” in any location. At the end of each lab there are rooms that can be arranged to house large equipment or specialty research spaces.
In addition to the labs, the new building also includes general-purpose classrooms, conference rooms, and collaboration spaces. Floors two through four are programmed research laboratory spaces. The first floor includes two highly adaptable classrooms and a shared, informal learning center.
Because the nanoengineering building has mainly southern and northern exposures, ZGF needed a strategy to address the added heat loads to the building due to the different orientation from phase one. Radiant flooring is used for heating and cooling purposes and chilled sails are used in the ceilings along the south wall of the office spaces. The units are ceiling-mounted and flush to the ceiling plane.
Photo: Aaron Leitz Photography.
The new facility incorporates numerous sustainability features such as rain gardens and green roofs planted with vegetation to attract native bees. Stormwater runoff will be directed to the roof gardens to reduce runoff to additional drainage systems.
One of the more unique sustainable features is the use of phase-change materials (PCM). PCM is a gel that becomes warm and liquid during the day and solidifies at night. It is encapsulated in walls and ceiling panels of the naturally ventilated spaces and reduces temperature as it changes material states. The PCM is composed of an inorganic material base and is “charged” at night when windows to office spaces are automatically opened to provide a flush of cool air. The PCM has been shown to reduce the temperature around 1.5 to 2 degrees during peek times on the hottest days of the year.
Photo: Aaron Leitz Photography.
The building team included Hoffman Construction Company (GC), KPFF (civil engineering, structural engineering), AEI (MEP), Site Workshop (landscape architecture), Research Facilities Design (lab planning), and Studio SC (graphics, wayfinding signage).
Photo: Aaron Leitz Photography.
Photo: Aaron Leitz Photography.
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Dec 16, 2020
Download a PDF of all 2020 Giants 400 Rankings
This 70-page PDF features AEC firm rankings across 51 building sectors, disciplines, and specialty services.
University Buildings | Dec 13, 2020
U. of Oregon’s new Knight Campus is set up to turn ideas into reality
Its design encourages occupant productivity and well-being.
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Science & Technology Facilities Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the S+T sector
HDR, Jacobs, and Turner head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest science and technology (S+T) facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Giants 400 | Dec 2, 2020
2020 University Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the higher education sector
Gensler, AECOM, and Turner Construction top BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest university sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
University Buildings | Nov 25, 2020
Stanford bioresearch quad's new public art piece, “Morphogenesis”
Stanford University's Morphogenesis installation connects user interaction with a large-scale media mesh platform.
University Buildings | Nov 20, 2020
Why precast concrete is an appealing choice for student housing
A variety of material solutions are emerging to accelerate construction timelines, and precast concrete has become an attractive option.
Laboratories | Nov 16, 2020
Washington State University’s new Plant Sciences Building opens
LMN Architects designed the project.
AEC Tech | Nov 12, 2020
The Weekly show: Nvidia's Omniverse, AI for construction scheduling, COVID-19 signage
BD+C editors speak with experts from ALICE Technologies, Build Group, Hastings Architecture, Nvidia, and Woods Bagot on the November 12 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
University Buildings | Nov 5, 2020
BIG selected to design new Student Center for Johns Hopkins University
The new center will become the heart of the university’s campus.
Smart Buildings | Oct 26, 2020
World’s first smart building assessment and rating program released
The SPIRE Smart Building Program will help building owners and operators make better investment decisions, improve tenant satisfaction, and increase asset value.