Situation:
BOND provided preconstruction and construction management services for a new 30,000 SF animal research facility at one of Boston’s top medical research facilities. With a goal of creating one central core vivarium facility for the client’s Boston campus, BOND provided significant renovations to the existing center to accommodate the new space. The layout of the facility, with holding rooms and procedure room suites situated off a common vivarium corridor, was developed to maximize the allowable useable space in order to provide the most amount of space for research. The project included: installation of an HVAC system, sure flow and sure vac dispensing system, air handling system, tunnel wash system, dry heat sterilizers, boilers and a generator. Natural light is accessible in the label spaces and the administration offices, some with floor to ceiling windows.
Challenges:
- Aggressive design and construction time line goals in an occupied building
- Utilization of strict vermin control procedures to protect the livelihood of the research animals
- Maximize the housing space within the facility to maintain proper material, animal and personnel flows in and out of the vivarium
- Improve on facility efficiency to accommodate the client’s expanding research programs
Solutions:
- Ensure all mechanical systems, wall and ceiling construction were designed and constructed to maintain a sanitary laboratory environment
- Completion of construction activity during off-hours and weekends to ensure a seamless completion while maintaining dust control and egress routes
- Successfully worked with client on the MEP piping throughout the building and occupied floors
Results:
- Delivery of a state-of-the-art vivarium to accommodate expanding research programs
- Completed on time and within budget