The Next Generation Laboratory: National University of Ireland at Galway

Attending the 2014 I2SL Conference this September? Be sure to check out our discussion, “The Next Generation Laboratory: National University of Ireland, Galway,” during the Flexibility session on Wednesday, 9/24.

The key components that inform the next generation laboratory are an aggressive stance towards energy conservation, a flexible armature that can easily accommodate shifts in density of research group planning modules spanning from of a Principal Investigator (PI)+4 to a (PI)+10, and an integrated approach of wet experimental, dry experimental and computationally based research.

The Bioscience Research Building at the National University of Ireland, Galway, is a prototypical example of a high-performance, highly flexible laboratory armature that supports multiple modalities of research. Using the NUIG project as a case study, we will illustrate how a small reduction in baseline mechanical design criteria can have a dramatic impact on sizing of head-end equipment, vertical riser and lateral duct sizes, and most importantly, a reduction of energy consumption. The Bioscience Research Building employs a high energy/low energy sustainability strategy, which places the most mechanically intensive spaces, such as tissue culture and imaging suites, into a perimeter zone adjacent to the traditional open lab space. The mechanical infrastructure supports “plug in” modifications as laboratory needs evolve. Rather than providing an over-designed system to serve the entire lab floor, chilled beams or fan coil units can provide supplemental cooling in just the rooms with the most extreme heat loads. An added benefit is this perimeter zone of high energy spaces that are frequently occupied, can have direct access to the natural light at the building exterior. Low energy spaces, such as writing carrels, offices, and interaction spaces, are grouped adjacent to, but physically separated from, the open lab. These spaces are organized along the perimeter to take advantage of natural ventilation and daylighting opportunities.

For the building’s western exposure, an insulated glass and wood screen façade system was developed to mitigate solar gain and glare from the low angle afternoon sun. This façade system works in concert with a naturally ventilated, perimeter corridor running along the western side of the floor plate, and acts as a “thermal sweater” that wraps the lab and lab support spaces while providing a comfortable quality of diffused daylight.

The NUIG project has the lowest energy profile of any major research facility Payette has designed, with 50% of program areas naturally ventilated and not requiring air conditioning. Furthermore, the open, flexible layout has allowed for a variety of research groups to occupy the building. Initially programmed for a PI+6 base line, it has been occupied at a PI+9 density and is thriving.

Details:
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
*this discussion is one of three components in a 90 minute session dedicated to Flexibility.

Speakers:
Christopher Baylow, AIA (Payette)
Jeffrey Zynda (Payette)