Designed in phases, the first phase includes five primary labs that focus on molecular biology, chemical engineering and organic chemistry research, a 1,400 square feet applied engineering high-bay laboratory for solar and biofuels projects, and a central NMR. Apart from that the new facility also features two videoconferencing rooms and an education and public outreach suite including biofuel demonstration gardens.
In order to make the place well illuminated, it features an interior light well, which supports each research floor. The light well provides open sightlines and highways for interaction between researchers and staff in the offices and work stations that ring the perimeter of the floor and the laboratories at its interior. Bridge walks spanning the light wells provide accessibility, while break rooms, seating nooks and formal meeting areas offer opportunities for collaboration.
Designed to consume 30% less energy than a typical lab building, the new facility is targeted for LEED Gold certification. The sustainable strategies of the building include photovoltaic array, sophisticated daylighting design and extensive use of sustainable materials.
HOK teamed with architect of record Potter Lawson on the design. The design creates a physical hub where scientists from various disciplines in the public and private sector can collaborate. Its primary tenant is the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC).
Wisconsin Energy Institute brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to develop innovative solutions for replacing fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives.
