Overview

Molecular Foundry

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

This dramatic and expressive architecture contains a novel lab environment for collaborative research in nanotechnology -- in an environmentally sensitive building. Its cutting-edge appearance reflects its high-tech use and the fact that it is a rarity: a sustainable lab building.

 

Six stories of offices, wet and dry labs, clean room and low-vibration microscopy are wrapped in a cantilevered, dark metal-wrapped box and a partially buried two-floor base. The interiors, with abundant daylight and amenities, are conceived as thinking and making places. Green materials and finishes include bamboo floors, solar shading, recycled construction waste and high-efficiency building systems.

Location
Berkeley, California

Size
94,500 gsf

Cost
$49.5 million


Industry


Specialized Service

Approach

Conceived as a metaphor for the science contained within, the building design segregates quiet areas and places for group activities. Sustainable design opportunities were maximized to reinforce its mission of studying novel, renewable energy sources. Two on-grade floors for sensitive lab equipment are separated from the long, cantilevered section above, which contains an axial corridor double-loaded with offices and labs.

Sustainability

Created to study renewable and efficient energy sources, the Molecular Foundry reflects its mission with a LEED-NC Gold rating -- a rarity for lab buildings. The systems design consumes 30 percent less energy than California's rules allow for similar buildings. Certified wood and low-emission paints and carpet create a healthy environment. Recycled materials include 80 percent of all the construction waste.

Testimonials

"This magnificent laboratory brings together state-of-the-art facilities in chemistry, biology, physics, engineering and computer science under one roof.  Already, the interaction of our scientists, as fostered by their surroundings, have produced exciting innovations at the leading edge of nanoscience."

 

Carolyn Bertozzi, Professor, Molecular Foundry Facility Director

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

 

"We have accomplished what we set out to do: involve our scientists and faculty in the programming process from the very beginning.  I'm convinced that this participation was absolutely critical to the building's success.  The Foundry is far and away the most popular building on campus, and is bringing researchers together to interact exactly as we intended."

 

Jim Krupnick, Director, Office of Institutional Assurance

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Recognition

  • Merit Award - Energy and Sutainability, AIA San Francisco, 2008
  • First Place - Beyond Green High-Performance Building Award, Sustainable Buildings Industry Council, 2007
  • Savings by Design Energy Efficiency Integration Citation Award, AIA California Council, 2007
  • Merit Award, AIA East Bay, 2007
  • Community Impact Winner, San Francisco Business Times, 2007
  • Best New Office / R&D Finalist, San Francisco Business Times, 2007
  • International Illumination Design Award of Merit (submitted by Affiliated Engineers, Inc.), Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) - National, 2007
  • Federal Interagency Energy Policy Committee Showcase Award, U. S. Department of Energy, 2006

 

 

"LBNL Molecular Foundry Project," Eco-structure, March 2009

 

"Applied Green: Best of the Best," Architectural Products, October 2008

 

"Building that goes beyond green," ConsumerReports.org, February 20, 2008

 

"Another Award for Molecular Foundry," Today at Berkley Lab, January 18, 2008

 

"Right-Sizing Design Improves Performance of Sustainable Laboratories: SmithGroup Refines Space Efficiency for LEED-Certified Facilities," Tradeline, October 17, 2007

 

"Doing Small Things in a Big Way:A national, cutting-edge laboratory for nanotechnology research," GreenSource, April 2007

 

"Building Up Nanotech Research: Investments in Centers and Institute Underpin Interdisciplinary Efforts,"  Chemical & Engineering News, April 9, 2007

 

"A View to the Future,"  Berkeley Lab Annual Report, 2005/2006

 

"SmithGroup: Purpose Given Form -- Molecular Foundry, cover story, Urban Space Design, 2006/4

 

"Amid Rising Energy and Labor Costs Building Market Grows at Rapid Pace," ENR Sourcebook, July 2006

 

"Nanotech field no longer small: California already a leader in this emerging industry four years in a row," San Francisco Chronicle, March 12, 2006

 

"On the Record: Nanotechnology, Unlocking the Smallest Secrets," San Francisco Chronicle, February 1, 2004

 

"Big Day to Think Small," San Francisco Chronicle, January 31, 2004

 

"Big on Nanotech: Berkeley lab to drive new center," San Francisco Business Times, December 19, 2003