University of Washington Plans Nanoengineering & Sciences Building

The University of Washington is planning to build the Nanoengineering & Sciences Building in Seattle. Designed by ZGF, the 78,000-sf interdisciplinary facility will provide approximately 43,000 ASF of research space for the departments of bioengineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and materials sciences. The laboratory programming and design consultant for the project is Research Facilities Design (RFD). It will be located on a site with low vibrations and electromagnetic interference adjacent to the existing Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute to foster interaction and collaboration. The ground floor will accommodate vibration-sensitive instrumentation; flexible teaching spaces, including an active learning classroom, will occupy the first floor. Research areas are designed for maximum adaptability with strategically placed columns and shafts supporting overhead service carriers. LEED Gold sustainable design certification will be sought for the project, which will operate with six air changes per hour in the main labs. The facility will feature walls and ceiling panels with enclosed phase-change materials (PCM) to optimize building performance. Other sustainable design features include daylighting, stormwater recycling, radiant flooring, chilled beams, chilled sails, and a green roof.