Biogeochemistry Research Building

The Biogeochemistry Building is home to 10 principal investigators, 35 research associates, and staff. Shared space is designed to foster interaction among the scientific disciplines. More than 8,500 sf of common space includes shared incubator space, a conference room, and a lounge overlooking a connected outdoor patio.

The two-story building includes 11,750 sf of lab and lab support space and 2,700 sf of office space. The 21' x 10'6" modular lab design permits flexibility as lab space is reassigned when programs and scientists change. The lab zones are grouped to allow researchers from different disciplines to work in close proximity. The lab support zones are directly adjacent to the lab areas and provide easy access to autoclaves, microscopy room, and cold rooms. Offices for the PIs, post-docs, and graduate students are located across from the labs, and are grouped together to encourage researcher interaction. The hallways provide alcoves and inviting furniture to create informal meeting spaces.

Data access is provided throughout the building, and the telephone system is voice over IP. A staging area is provided at ground level for use in preparation for scientific cruises. Green building principles incorporated during design and construction include preservation of open space, sunshades for solar control, operable windows in offices, and use of renewable resources.

The new building is part of a $50-million campus renovation that includes construction of the two new research facilities, additions to the existing McLean Laboratory, an addition to the central energy plant, new wastewater treatment facilities, and extensive upgrades to underground utilities and site landscaping.

Project Information

Building Owner:

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Building Location:

Woods Hole, Massachusetts UNITED STATES

Project Type:

New Construction

Principal Building Function:

Biology, marine chemistry, and geochemistry research

Project Delivery Method:

Construction Management

Project Timeline

Mar 2001	Planning Start
Jun 2002	Design Start
Mar 2004	Construction Start
Oct 2005	Completion
Last known status: Completed

Construction Cost:

$12,000,000

Cost Per Sq. Ft:

$358

About These Cost Figures

Building Information

Project Includes:

Aquarium
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Cleanroom
Education
Education: Biology
Education: Chemistry
Education: Life Sciences
Laboratory: Research
Laboratory: Wet
Life Sciences
Vivarium

Total GSF:

33,500

Project Team

Architect

Ellenzweig Inc.

Builder

Bond Brothers Inc.

Consultant - Communications

Nelson Communications

Consultant - Lighting

Lam Partners Inc.

Consultant - Program Manager

Skanska USA Building Inc.

Engineer - Electrical

BR+A/Bard,Rao + Athanas Consulting Engineers Inc.

Engineer - Mechanical

BR+A/Bard,Rao + Athanas Consulting Engineers Inc.

Engineer - Structural

LeMessurier Consultants Inc.

Supplier - Air Handlers

TSI Incorporated

Supplier - Building Automation Controls

Siemens Building Technologies

Supplier - Carpet

Bentley Carpets

Supplier - Elevators

Thyssen Krupp

Supplier - Fume Hoods

TSI Incorporated

Supplier - Laboratory Equipment

Liberty

Profile Created 04/19/2006

Last Updated 04/19/2006

About the Reported Cost Figures

The cost figures reported are supplied by the firms that submitted these projects for publication, which in most cases are the designers or builders. Whereas these sources are intimately familiar with their projects, they may not be fully aware of the owners' finally-realized and recorded costs. In some cases, costs are truly and completely accounted for, and in others they represent a near approximation of the final costs. Costs have not been adjusted for year of construction, nor has any attempt been made to make regional cost adjustments.

Further, costs are not comparable on any kind of detailed standard costing model. Hence, it is possible for the cost of one building to include a steam boiler, while the cost of a comparable building might not include the boiler, if steam is being supplied from an already existing campus grid. Or, in another case, a building might include excess boiler capacity to supply steam to another building. Some submittals include fees or unusual site improvements as part of the construction costs, which others do not.

Fig. 1

BGC Building

The Biogeochemistry Building is an interdisciplinary research facility that includes laboratories, lab support, equipment suites, cleanrooms, offices, a conference room, and a lounge. (Photo courtesy of Ellenzweig Associates, copyright Anton Grassl, Photographer.)

Fig. 2

Biology Lab

Labs are equipped for examination of various ocean samples. Most labs include a dry lab, a wet lab with a fume hood, and workstations. (Photo courtesy of Ellenzweig Associates, copyright Anton Grassl, Photographer.)

Fig. 3

Cleanroom

Cleanrooms are used for the examination of mammal specimens. Equipment includes a fume hood and a laminar flow hood. (Photo courtesy of Ellenzweig Associates, copyright Anton Grassl, Photographer.)

Fig. 4

Lobby

Designed to foster collaboration between scientific disciplines, the Biogeochemistry Building includes break-out space and a conference room. (Photo courtesy of Ellenzweig Associates, copyright Anton Grassl, Photographer.)