LOCATION: Durham, NC
PROJECT SIZE: 45,000 SQ FT
PROJECT COST: $14,000,000
Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute is an innovative research and training institute dedicated to the advancement of fundamental knowledge of human diseases, particularly those that disproportionately affect under-represented minority groups. The facility provides 45,000 Sq. Ft. of space including 11 modern research labs, faculty offices, administrative offices, and a 100-seat auditorium. Additional research support facilities include warm and cold rooms, cell culture labs, an animal facility, and computing laboratories.
The basic form of the brick building is arranged along a simple double-loaded corridor with laboratory and support spaces organized on the south side of the two story entry lobby and administrative areas and the auditorium on the north side. Research labs are arranged on the west side of the building to take advantage of natural light and views out of the building while faculty offices are located on the east side.
Exhaust is collected from the labs in chases that are expressed as vertical metal panel elements on the exterior between windows. A series of closely spaced horizontal sunscreens control light and glare in each lab. Mechanical equipment is housed on the roof in a penthouse that begins as a vertical stair element. Exhaust stacks are organized along the penthouse and provide a vertical counterpoint to the strong horizontal elements of the building. A two-story lobby bisects the building which reinforces the separation of research elements from administrative and instructional areas. Aluminum metal panels are repeated inside the lobby along the monumental stair. The stair is lit from above by a clear skylight that washes the wall behind the reception desk with natural light. A subtle exterior curvilinear form expresses the unique program of the 100-seat auditorium and is also clad in metal panels.
2003 AIA SAR Merit Award (Regional)
2001 AIA Triangle Isosceles Award (Local)
1999 AIA NC Honor Award (State)
Photography: James West