University of Massachusetts Amherst Constructs Life Science Laboratories

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is building the $156 million Life Science Laboratories facility. Ground was broken on the first phase of the five-story, 310,000-sf project in February of 2010; completion is expected in fall of 2013. Designed by Wilson Architects of Boston, the collaborative facility will contain open and flexible research labs with equipment alcoves, enclosed support labs, and shared platform labs. The building will also provide faculty offices, conference rooms, colloquia, and food service areas. The project team includes general contractor Whiting-Turner and RDK Engineers. LEED Silver sustainable design certification will be sought for the facility, which will feature a heat recovery chiller plant, low flow fume hoods, and a ventilation energy recovery system.