New England Biolabs has been a leading pioneer of the biotechnology industry for more than 30 years. Having experienced substantial growth , coupled with a constantly evolving array of new products, New England Biolabs required a larger facility dedicated to their ongoing research efforts. The build-to-suit research and production laboratories located in a rural setting in Ipswich, Massachusetts.
The three-story, 208,000 square foot, LEED certified building is heavily clad in various shades of green copper panels and is sited on a soft, rolling landscape. A Victorian-style mansion, part of the original estate, sits adjacent to the back of the building and houses administrative offices. Preserving this historic element of the campus was an important goal of the project.Comprised mainly of research and production labs (40% of the space) the building is organized around a main street, which greets visitors at the entrance and extends straight through the rear of the building. The research and production labs are cleanly arranged on either side and connected by glass catwalks. Every two labs share an adjacent support space containing the necessary hoods, darkrooms or cold rooms, and each lab is equipped with modular furniture and benches to maximize flexibility. In response to the naturally sloping landscape, the street gently cascades downward from the back of the building.
One of the program requirements was to design an auditorium, capable of accommodating frequent guest lecturers. The 250-seat lecture hall has stepped, tiered seating, covered in subtle violet hues and is surrounded by warm-toned, natural wood staves.
A full-service cafeteria is also located just inside the main entrance, across from the reception desk, with dramatic views into a three-story tropical winter garden. Other notable features include an outdoor patio off the cafeteria and underground parking for 165 cars.
The presence of art is a predominant theme, both inside and out. A requirement of the design program was to create ample space to display the Owner’s private art collection.
A vibrant, seven foot mosaic immediately captures the attention of visitors as they approach the main entrance. The one-of-a-kind artwork is one of the winning submissions out of hundreds of applicants who entered a contest sponsored by New England Biolabs. The multi-colored, seven by fourteen foot-wide stained glass art directly above the entrance canopy is also a winning submission. The artwork greets clients, visitors and employees with a warm welcome.
Achievements:
“LEED® Certified”U.S. Green Building Council
“Sustainable Design Award”The Boston Society of Architects
“Award of Merit”AIA New England
“Award of Excellence”Architectural Woodwork Institute
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