ZGF Architects' La Jolla building for genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter and his nonprofit research organization aims to be the first net-zero energy, carbon-neutral biological lab. The building was designed to serve not only the J. Craig Venter Institute but also collaborating partners from the nearby University of California-San Diego and Scripps Research Institute, as well as other scientific organizations.
The 44,607-sf facility includes a one-story wet-lab wing and a three-story office/dry-lab wing, connected by a courtyard. An underground parking structure can accommodate 112 vehicles.
Aiming for LEED Platinum, the building includes two PV arrays totalling 26,124 sf, predicted to generate power exceeding the building's demand. Other green features include sensor-controlled lighting, water-cooled (vs air-cooled) lab freezers, induction diffusers (chilled beams) for heating and cooling, and water collection and recycling for nonpotable functions.
The Building Team included Integral Group (MEP), KPFF Consulting Engineers (CE, SE), Jacobs Consultancy (lab consultant), Andropogon Associates/David Reed Landscape Architects (landscape), and McCarthy Building Companies (GC).
ZGF recently released a building summary detailing the sustainable strategies and architectural features, as well as the walk-through video below. Enjoy your tour of this next-generation science facility.
World's First Net-Zero Energy Laboratory from ZGF Architects LLP on Vimeo.
Related Stories
Architects | Mar 18, 2015
Architecture Billings Index rises in February
The ABI score was 50.4 last month, up slightly from a mark of 49.9 in January. This score reflects a minor increase in design services, according to AIA.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 18, 2015
Prefabricated skycubes proposed with 'elastic' living apartments inside
The interiors for each unit are designed using an elastic living concept, where different spaces are created by sliding on tracks.
Architects | Mar 18, 2015
Boston selects finalists in resilient design competition
The competition asks for creative approaches for planning for a not-so-distant future Boston where higher sea levels and more frequent flooding will be real and critical issues to contend with.
Cultural Facilities | Mar 17, 2015
The High Line’s co-designer wins contract for The Underline in Miami
James Corner Field Operations will design the master plan for this 10-mile restoration project.
Sponsored | | Mar 17, 2015
Are face-to-face meetings still important?
One CEO looks pass convenience and advocates for old school, in-person meetings.
High-rise Construction | Mar 16, 2015
NBBJ creates 'shadowless' skyscraper concept for proposed UK development
A team of architects from the London branch of NBBJ used computer algorithms to generate a dual-tower design that maximizes sunlight reflections to eliminate the buildings' shadows.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 16, 2015
Healthcare planning in a post-ACA world: 3 strategies for success
Healthcare providers are seeking direction on how to plan for a value-based world while still very much operating in a volume-based market. CBRE Healthcare's Curtis Skolnick offers helpful strategies.
Resort Design | Mar 16, 2015
Giancarlo Zema Design Group unveils plans for semi-submerged resort in Qatar
The resort will have four semi-submerged hotels that look similar to super-yachts, each including 75 luxury suites with private terraces.
Mixed-Use | Mar 13, 2015
Dubai announces mega waterfront development Aladdin City
Planned on 4,000 acres in the Dubai Creek area, the towers will be covered in gold lattice and connected via air-conditioned bridges.
Contractors | Mar 13, 2015
Construction materials prices rise for first time in six months
The largest monthly gain in petroleum prices in over three years caused construction materials prices to expand 0.4% in February, ending a six-month streak when prices failed to rise, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
