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Life Science Laboratories (2013)
The $165 million, 310,000 S.F. Life Science Laboratories (LSL) facility provides state-of-the-art laboratory space for interdisciplinary research clusters engaged in cutting edge studies. Core laboratory support platforms adjoin offices and labs to foster a highly collaborative environment and promote the exchange of ideas between students and faculty from several different fields in the sciences and engineering.
The LSL facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and applies research to help shorten the gap between scientific innovation and technological advancement. The building anticipates future change and growth in the field of science through flexible and adaptable laboratory spaces that can be reconfigured multiple times over the life of the building.
Building Information
Address: 240 Thatcher Rd, Amherst, MA 01003
Completed: Fall 2013
Size: 310,000 GSF
Designer / Architect: Wilson Architects
Construction Manager: Whiting-Turner
Owner's Project Manager: DCAMM
UMass Project Manager: Jeff Quackenbush
UMass Project Planners: Thomas Huf
Sustainability
Resources
LEED Project Scorecard
LEED Project Dashboard
Green Building Brochure
Indoor Air Quality
- Low-VOC carpeting, paints, adhesives, sealings, and coatings
- Pollutant collecting floor mats and HVAC filters
Materials + Resources
- 22% of building materials were extracted, processed, and manufactured regionally
- 81% of construction wastes were diverted from landfill
- 19% of new construction materials utilize recycled content
- 62% of wood products are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified
Innovation in Design
- Participated in an active Demand-Response Program with a comprehensive survey
Water Efficiency
- Achieved a 49% reduction in potable water use via the installation of ultra low-flow plumbing fixtures
- Rain garden with water storage. Awarded an Excellence in Landscape Architecture for General Design Honor by The Society of College and University Planning (SCUP)
Sustainable Sites
- Site location enhances the open space and landscape of the east campus
- Green infrastructure improves the quality of stormwater runoff from site
- Native and adaptive plant species selected for drought resistance
- Easily accessible to the PVTA bus system and core campus community services
- Onsite bike storage with dedicated parking for low-efficient and fuel-efficient vehicles
- 91% of site, and 87% of roof utilize reflective materials to mitigate the heat island effect
Energy & Atmosphere
- Cut overall energy use by 30% through daylight shelves, demand-controlled heat recovery ventilation, low flow fume hoods, and exterior façade optimization with glazing and shading
- Accessible thermal and lighting controls
Photo Gallery
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Images 1-3, 5, and 7 & 8 courtesy of Wilson Architects. Image 4 courtesy of Mountain View. Image 6 by Don Treeger, courtesy of MassLive.
Media
Videos
$100 Million Invested in Life Sciences
UMass Amherst - 6/7/2013
UMass Amherst Launches Institute for Applied Life Sciences
UMass Amherst - 10/24/2016
UMass Amherst Fuels Innovation, Education in Life Sciences
UMass Amherst - 11/28/2011
Build It Green: Life Science Laboratories
UMass Amherst - 10/30/2015
Articles
UMass Celebrates Official Opening of New $160 Million Life Science Building
MassLive - 11/14/2013
UMass Amherst Employs Core and Shell Strategy for Life Science Laboratories
Tradeline - 6/10/2015
Life Science Laboratories
Towers-Golde, LLC. - n.d.
Cutting-edge Science: UMass, State Formally Launch $150M Life Sciences Institute at Flagship
The Daily Hampshire Gazette- n.d.
UMass Amherst Launches Institute for Applied Life Sciences
UMass Amherst News & Media Relations - n.d.
Gov. Patrick and the Mass. Life Sciences Center Announce Over $100 Million in Capital Grant Funding for Projects in Western Mass
UMass Amherst News & Media Relations - n.d.
Life Science Laboratories at UMass Amherst Honored for Landscape Architecture by Society of College and University Planning
UMass Amherst News & Media Relations - n.d.
UMass Amherst Launches Institute for Applied Life Sciences
UMass Amherst News & Media Relations - n.d.
Life Science Laboratories
Wilson Architects - n.d.
Life Science Laboratories at UMass Amherst Achieved LEED Gold Certification
Wilson Architects - n.d.
Life Science Laboratories
Tradeline - n.d.