Intergrated Genomics Building, Berkeley, Calif.

by Rosa Soto | 1 July 2022 12:00 am

Hiroko Miyake, design principal at SmithGroup, says, “This modern metal design embodies clean edges and carved windows that create an industrial aesthetic while still engaging strong connections to the natural world. The restraint of the project and beautifully scaled volumes positively respond to the challenging framework of the landscape and placement of certain programmatic elements. A clean metal massing ensures that the project will withstand the salty Pacific Ocean air, which would otherwise deteriorate the building over time.”

In terms of the overall design concept for the building, Suzanne Napier, vice president at SmithGroup, says, “The driving concept for the Integrative Genomics Building is the integration of massing and site orientation, daylighting, façade design, MEP system design and program placement within a holistic approach. The overall goal is to enhance the human experience by balancing functionality and aesthetics.”

The Integrated Genomics Building is operated and managed by LBNL; the LBNL campus is managed by University of California. Inside the 80,000-square-foot building, programmatic elements are organized by two lower-level floors of laboratories and two upper-level floors of office and conference space, which clarifies program functions and massing

“The massing of the building was developed to create a primary east-west axis resulting in longer north and south facades and minimizing east and west façades,” Napier says. “The skin development responds to the varied solar conditions to optimize energy performance. Building overhangs at the west and exterior shades at the south minimize solar heat gain, reduce glare and provide a comfortable environment. This is balanced with the goal of achieving optimal internal natural daylight within the laboratory, conference and office spaces.”

Elward Systems Corp. fabricated, and B.T. Mancini Co. Inc. installed its rout-and-return dry-gasket rainscreen system with 3A Composites USA Inc.’s ALUCOBOND metal composite material (MCM) with three-coat fluoropolymer coatings system in two colors: XL Silver with a clear top coat and PPG Industries Inc.’s Duranar XL in Charcoal Metallic Grey without a top coat.

B.T. Mancini also installed CENTRIA’s 22-gauge galvanized steel, BR5-36, exposed fastener, corrugated metal wall panels in Fluorofinish Versacolor Elite AM Fluoropolymer XL Silver.

“The dark charcoal tone is a custom color and blends well into the natural setting,” Miyake says. “The selected metal panel systems are compatible in color with the curtainwall mullions, exterior shading devices, exterior stairs and large metal soffit, creating a cohesive material palette.”

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/projects/intergrated-genomics-building-berkeley-calif/

---