The two-story MRF includes 2,600 sf of office space and 8,500 sf of laboratory space for WHOI's marine mammal research teams. The eight principal investigators and 45 research staff have use of mass spectrometers, a CT scanner, flexible wet labs, a cleanroom, a necropsy suite, marine acoustics research, and a marine research archive.

The first floor includes labs devoted to acoustical engineering and sophisticated optical research methods. The scanner room is completely shielded, including the roof structure, with lead to eliminate radiation hazards for the surrounding areas. The lab for the mass spectrometer is constructed with a minimum of exposed metal surfaces to support the trace metals research conducted within. The necropsy suite and its associated sample freezer are located adjacent to the scanner room, with direct access to a dedicated exterior service area.

The remaining lab and office spaces are on the second floor. Office areas encourage researcher interaction while still providing direct access to the labs. 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.

Built between two hillsides on campus, the MRF provides entrances on both the lower and upper levels of campus. Entry at the upper level provides an exterior terrace with views and access to similar areas at the new Biogeochemistry Building, campus dining areas, and administration facilities.

Renovation to the 183-acre campus included 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:		Marine biology research
Project Delivery Method:		Construction Management
Project Timeline		Mar 2001 Planning Start Jun 2002 Design Start Mar 2004 Construction Start Sep 2005 Completion Last known status: Completed
Construction Cost:		$10,400,000
Cost Per Sq. Ft:		$347
		About These Cost Figures
Building Information
Project Includes:		Aquarium Biology Chemistry Education Education: Biology Education: Life Sciences Laboratory Laboratory: Research Laboratory: Wet Life Sciences Vivarium
Total GSF:		30,000
Project Team
Architect		Ellenzweig 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.
Supplier - Air Handlers		TSI Incorporated
Supplier - Fume Hoods		TSI Incorporated
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.