NV5 served as project manager for this highly secure, BSL-3 laboratory project throughout all planning and design phases, through construction completion. This sophisticated 22,000 SF facility was designed to enhance the University’s scientific research capabilities with modern, secure laboratory spaces constructed to serve the immediate research needs of the Biology Department, as well as provide additional flexible laboratory spaces for future science program utilization.
The building also includes office space, laboratory support facilities, and a central loading dock for the entire science complex. The exterior design of the building is unique, as it blends into the strong existing campus architectural vocabulary established years ago by noted architect Paul Rudolph.
The research building enhances this campus built-environment, rather than competing with it for attention. The Violette Research Building utilizes very energy efficient, and durable building materials including precast concrete, and glass curtain wall construction. To respond to the concern for security, landscape features to ward off non-authorized building entry were built into the site landscaping in a non-intrusive manner.