The building includes a variety of teaching and research laboratories for three departments: biology, which includes laboratory clusters for molecular, microbiology, ecology, botany, health and physiology; civil/environmental, which includes laboratories for air quality; atmospheric research, surface water and drinking water quality; organic and inorganic materials analysis; and geology, which supports research of paleomagnetics, sedimentology, hydrogeology, subsurface visualization and rock experimentation. Additional teaching laboratories include bio-chemistry, aquatic biology, microbiology, a flexible high-bay area, an analytical process lab, two large special research labs and two large flexible labs as well as two lecture halls, 80 and 250 seats each. Data connections are available in all locations.

The building is organized along a central utility spine to serve adjacent laboratories. Offices for graduate students and faculty are located along the east, west and north building perimeters to take advantage of natural light and ventilation. The large three-story atrium on the north side serves as a gathering place for students and faculty. A smaller lobby on the south side links the facility to other campus buildings through a south-facing courtyard. The courtyard's micro-climate is estimated to be 10 degrees warmer than the surrounding campus environment.