California Institute of Technology Constructs Sustainable Laboratory

PASADENA, Calif. — California Institute of Technology’s biomedical laboratory is currently undergoing renovations built for Professor Lihong Wang and his biomedical engineering team. Designed by AC Martin and constructed by BN Builders, the laboratory will consist of updated technology and sustainable features.

The renovation comes as a result of Wang’s relocation to Caltech, where he will continue research on biomedical advancements and cutting-edge technologies related to the field.

Wang’s previous laboratory, located at Washington University in St. Louis, allowed him to make award-winning advancements in the imaging of living tissue while simultaneously producing one of the most innovative forms of microscopy any university has ever seen, according to PRNewswire.

During construction, much of the existing lab equipment, appliances and debris was repurposed and recycled. When the laboratory is open it will feature LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC and low VOC interior paints.

“It’s very rewarding to be a part of a team that will make possible breakthrough research and biomedical advancements,” said Jamie Awford, principal at BNBuilders in a statement. “We are pleased to collaborate with Caltech to demonstrate our technical expertise to deliver this world-class lab space.”

At $8.2 million, the 10,800-square-foot laboratory will feature new imaging laboratories, a tissue culture room, an instrument room and an office space. The new space will allow Wang to continue his research by participating in the noninvasive imaging of animal, plant and human cells using lasers and ultrasound technology. Construction began in April and is scheduled for completion on Jan. 19, 2017.

According to Awford, the most unique feature of this laboratory is the number of gasses installed at each lab station.

The biggest challenge designers and builders faced when creating this project was fitting a complicated system of lab utilities, appliances and instruments into a small space with tight overhead restraints. Through the use of building information software, (BIM), digital representations of the space were created prior to construction.

Wang and his associates will occupy this laboratory. The rest of the building has multiple labs to be used by various professors from the university.