life science & discovery
When we design laboratories, we embrace the challenge of sculpting opportunities that nurture a legacy of scientific progress and shape humanity’s future.
environments that foster innovation
With over six decades of experience, LS3P specializes in collaborating on innovative and research facilitates that foster creativity and enhance the discovery process. We prioritize flexibility, safety, and regulatory compliance to create environments that attract top research talent and promote original thinking. Leveraging our expertise across multiple sectors, we incorporate the latest technologies to support our clients’ discoveries. Our experience spans material and biological labs, environmental testing, and advanced materials, serving clients in Industrial, Life Science, Government, and Higher Education sectors.
LS3P carefully choreographs teams to think from multiple perspectives and disciplines, cultivating a culture of “the best ideas win.”
To address the demands and complexities of Life Science and Discovery Buildings, we place significant value on our diverse and talented team. By leveraging their expertise, we strive to identify the best solutions that offer flexible spaces to tackle the latest challenges in the field.
ReWa Environmental Laboratory
creating spaces that inspire discovery
Technology is constantly adapting, and our built environment must respond to this innovation.
Science and discovery buildings, which serve as innovation hubs, come in various forms, from suburban campuses to urban high-rise structures. They encompass a spectrum of spaces, from clean labs to large maker spaces, each complex yet cohesive. As science evolves, these buildings must adapt, to remain relevant, emphasizing the need for flexible design solutions.
Science buildings often combine both lab and office spaces, but the ratio between them can vary significantly. Some floors may be exclusively dedicated to labs or offices, while others have a mix of both. It’s crucial for these buildings to be flexible enough to accommodate diverse uses and adapt to the evolving needs of the company over time.
When laying out laboratory workplaces, it is crucial to think about adaptability & efficiency.
future-oriented
Laboratories are designed with the future in mind through achieving adaptable spaces.
The adaptability of the laboratories responds directly to trends such as increased data, samples, and testing requirements. The scientific industry has experienced significant growth, leading to a surge in data, material, and storage needs. Modern laboratory environments prioritize transparency, promoting visibility and interaction among researchers. This design approach enhances safety, well-being, and collaboration. Incorporating elements like interior and exterior glazing maximizes natural light, fosters sustainability, and mitigates employee isolation.
Amidst the dynamic shifts in the scientific realm, the evolving terrain mandates a laboratory environment that embodies efficiency, agility, versatility, and purposefulness. Adopting a modular lab design methodology lays down the essential framework and infrastructure crucial for fostering a progressive, research-centric atmosphere.
modular design
At its essence, modular lab design stands as the bedrock of laboratory planning.
This approach embodies a comprehensive perspective, sculpting both the laboratory space and its surrounding structure to accommodate functional imperatives while retaining essential flexibility. Built upon three foundational principles—integrated module, rightsizing, and managed inventory—modular lab design revolutionizes efficiency. By serving as the fundamental unit of construction, the integrated module orchestrates the layout of the laboratory, ensuring occupants and equipment possess the necessary space to operate with safety and efficacy.
Modular lab design centers around the lab bench, the key element shaping laboratory planning. Lab benches, either modular or fixed, typically follow standardized dimensions: two benches, each 3 feet deep, separated by a 5-foot-wide aisle, forming an 11-foot-wide module. Bench widths of 4 feet, 5 feet, and 6 feet are common, accommodating standard equipment dimensions.
Integrating this module allows for versatile room sizes, facilitating a cohesive approach across multiple functions within a facility, from labs to imaging rooms, and parking structures, even across multiple stories.
optimization of space
Efficiency and agility are paramount in laboratory design, achieved through zoning tasks together and optimizing space layout. Sustainable features like heat/cool recovery systems and automation technologies enhance productivity while conserving resources. Overcoming physical constraints and integrating human-centric design principles ensure future-focused, adaptable lab spaces that prioritize both functionality and well-being. Collaboration between lab professionals and designers is essential for creating tailored environments that support productivity and employee engagement.
Laboratory buildings have distinct requirements from typical office buildings. Renewable Water Resources Laboratory & Environmental Education Center
lab space essentials
Lab buildings can require deeper lease depths compared to office buildings, contingent on their specialty. Typically, lab spaces require increased floor-to-floor dimensions, usually around 15 feet as a minimum. This configuration allows for a ceiling height of 10 feet, with a plenum of approximately 5 to 5.6 feet to cater to structural and MEP requirements. Office spaces within lab buildings typically begin with a 10-foot ceiling height, enabling future flexibility for labs to expand into the space.
Lab buildings require a larger plenum to accommodate the increased volume of air they use, necessary for providing fresh air to occupants and supporting equipment like fume hoods. A common mechanical strategy involves concentric circles or arcs of ductwork within the zone, with supply air ducts closer to the core and return air ducts located on the perimeter. This setup maintains uniform airflow direction and minimizes potential contamination. These ducts connect to mechanical shafts at each end of the core, typically split along both sides, resulting in two distinct loops. The height of the central supply and return ducts determines the ceiling height, and limitations may exist where ducts enter and exit the core, affecting room for other trades.
Lab buildings have specific requirements and allowances that differentiate them from typical office buildings. These include control zones in the building code, each with defined Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQ) of hazardous
chemicals. Additionally, lab buildings are subject to MIPS (Micro-Inches Per Second) measurements to assess vibrations in the structural system, with lower thresholds than typical office buildings. While office buildings may accept 10,000-6,000 MIPS, lab buildings typically aim for 6,000 MIPS or lower, achieved through structural enhancements like oversizing and isolation slabs in areas with intensive lab activity.
facility planning factors
• Current and emerging technology
• Personnel headcount
• Programmatic adjacencies and flow workplace environment planning
• Product specifics – amount produced, hazardous or special requirements
• Access to natural light
• Future growth
• Level of flexibility
• Storage requirements/ warehousing utility infrastructure
• Access to outdoor spaces and connection to nature
• Sustainability and wellness components
• Security requirements
• Specific MEP requirements
lab footprint
Vertical circulation and shafts are a critical component to
lab planning.
Lab buildings require specific considerations for elevator allocation and core design. While the typical ratio of passenger elevators in office buildings is around one per 50,000 GSF, lab buildings may require more due to higher SF/User ratios. Additionally, lab buildings often necessitate additional back-of-house elevators, typically two dedicated large-size service elevators in the core, with further increases depending on factors like chemical storage and vivarium usage.
The lab core shares similarities with an office core but requires adjustments to accommodate larger support spaces for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Tele-Data, and shafts. Each of these areas will be larger than in a typical office core, particularly the mechanical space. A typical lab building’s core includes shafts on each end, housing supply and return ducts, with potential reduction in size further from the source. Additionally, there may be tenant shaft space with a dedicated shaft per floor for hazardous exhaust, typically located on each side of the core towards opposite ends.
With the increase of empty office space, developers are exploring new purposes for these commercial buildings. Developers and private users are repurposing empty office spaces into life science laboratories due to the growing demand. Converting commercial buildings to life science facilities is feasible but requires consideration of the differing requirements between office and life science space.
office re purposing conversion pre-planning factors
Converting an office space into a lab requires careful preplanning to ensure a smooth transition. By addressing the following factors in the preplanning stage, you can mitigate risks and ensure a successful conversion of office space into a lab facility.
1. Location: Confirm if the building location aligns with the potential tenants’ needs and evaluate planning and zoning restrictions.
2. Use-specific infrastructure: Plan for storage space for laboratory gas, backup power, and emergency generators.
3. Floor to floor height: Evaluate if mechanical systems can be accommodated.
4. Structural considerations: Evaluate structural bays to accommodate lab requirements, such as comprehensive modules and deep bays for open labs.
5. Load capacity and vibration: Determine if the floor can support heavy lab equipment and if the structure can minimize vibration.
6. Loading dock and access: Ensure the loading dock can handle lab-specific deliveries and waste removal and assess space for hazardous materials.
7. MEP/FP infrastructure: Consider labs’ increased MEP and fire protection needs compared to offices, including utilities capacity and space for labspecific systems.
8. Use-specific infrastructure: Plan for storage space for laboratory gas, backup power, and emergency generators.
9. Utilities: Verify with city and utility providers early to address infrastructure needs.
The Renewable Water Resources Environmental Laboratory Expansion and Rehabilitation project brought to life a new water testing laboratory fitted with a modern lab environment for best practices. The lab needed to be high performing, while also being functional and beautiful.
ReWa aimed to engage with the surrounding community through the addition of an education center. This informed a layout that split public and private spaces within the building.
SIZE 17,714 SF
RATING
LEED Certified AWARDS
ASHRAE Chapter Technology Award, AIA Greenville, USGBC Rise to the Challenge Design Award
LAB SPECIALIST
Master Planning & Programming: EYP
Contract Documents & Construction
Administration: HERA
Columbia, SC
The new South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s (SLED) Forensics Lab houses 11 different forensic sciences departments, each with unique functions in processing evidence associated with potential criminal activities. Integrated technology supports state-of-the-art science for staff while providing robust emergency and security systems.
The three-story, 120,000 SF facility incorporates sustainable design strategies for daylighting and energy efficiency. The design brings a modern aesthetic to a state agency building, and the footprint accommodates both visitors touring the labs and secure functions. The program includes collaboration spaces, a training facility, and second-floor outdoor space staff functions.
RATING
Two Green Globes
AWARDS
2023 IIDA Carolinas DesignWorks Winner, Flooring Design category; 2023 IIDA Carolinas DesignWorks Honorable Mention, Government/Institutional category
LAB SPECIALIST
McClaren, Wilson & Lawrie, Inc.
Transforming a 63 acre existing office campus into a world-class science and discovery campus is no small endeavor. Creating Albemarle Technology Park (ATP), a cutting-edge facility for materials research and lithium product development required thorough planning, innovation, and coordination. As lithium technology evolves, our team focused on providing a flexible facility with abundant access to natural light and exterior spaces, allowing an environment for groundbreaking discoveries.
With state-of-the-art labs, testing facilities, and amenities, this campus will spearhead our lithium technology leadership and drive the global shift toward sustainable energy. In addition to the lab, research and light manufacturing areas, the campus also includes offices, an auditorium, and conference and dining facilities for the 350 employees
IN DEVELOPMENT - ESTIMATED INITIAL OCCUPANCY 2025
SIZE
430,000 SF
LAB SPECIALIST
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.
15 STEM & science buildings over the past decade
20 Health Science buildings for Universities over the last decade
60+ years of Higher Education experience
higher education
LS3P has great experience partnering to develop life science work in higher education labs. Some projects include the Coastal Carolina Science Annex II that is LEED Gold as well as the UNCG Nursing & Instructional Building.
Coastal Carolina Science Annex II hosts Marine Science, Biology, and Chemistry teaching spaces, including labs and classrooms.
UNCG Nursing & Instructional Building includes labs for nursing skills, general biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology instruction; multiple chemistry labs; administrative spaces; a rooftop patio; and a flexible use “stairitorium.”
UNCG Nursing & Instructional Building
UNCG Nursing & Instructional Building
Coastal Carolina Science Annex II
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY STEM Building
Cullowhee, NC
This new STEM building for Western Carolina University in partnership with Lord Aeck Sargent. The building replaces the existing 1970’s Natural Sciences Building, which no longer meets Western’s space needs nor supports its goal of active, discoverybased learning and engaging all science majors in research.
The STEM building is connected to the adjacent Stillwell Science Building and incorporates interdisciplinary teaching and research labs, active learning classrooms, faculty offices, and informal learning spaces. Sustainable design strategies and the philosophy of “putting Science on Display” were guiding principles for the design team.
The building’s overall design is inspired directly by the unique history, culture and climate of mountainous western North Carolina including the influence of the Cherokee civilization.
SECTOR
LAB SPECIALIST
Lord Aeck Sargent
UNCG’s new 180,000 SF Nursing & Instructional Building provides stateof-the-art simulation, research, and classroom space for UNCG’s School of Nursing, the School of Health and Human Sciences, and the Biology and Chemistry departments.
Designed with SmithGroup, the program includes classrooms that serve as both active learning and traditional lecture formats with integrated technology, as well as computer classroom; labs for nursing skills, general biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology instruction; multiple chemistry labs; the Nursing Dean’s office and other administrative spaces; a rooftop patio; and a flexible-use “stairitorium.”
HHS research labs will host outside participants for research studies, and a large event space accommodates groups for trainings, job fairs, or other functions.
SECTOR
LAB SPECIALIST
COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
The program is for approximately 71,000 GSF of building area to accommodate Marine Science, Biology, and Chemistry teaching spaces (labs and classrooms). Also included in the program is an animal facility, administrative spaces, shared spaces, and support. The scope of work includes a new three-story steelframed building with a loading dock. Also included in the scope is interior upfit, site work, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection.
LAB SPECIALIST
LAB & LIFE SCIENCE
Experience List
ReWa Environmental Laboratory Greenville, SC
SLED Forensic Lab Columbia, SC
Albemarle Tech Park Charlotte, NC
Terracon Lab Renovation Raleigh, NC
Kiyatec Lab Greenville, SC
Tesa Tape Research & Development Laboratory Charlotte, NC
National Gypsum Technology Innovation Center Charlotte, NC
City of Raleigh Drinking Water Lab Raleigh, NC
UNCG Nursing and Instructional Building Greensboro, NC
Coastal Carolina Sciences Annex II Conway, SC
Western Carolina University STEM Cullowhee, NC
UNCC Bioinformatics Building Charlotte, NC
ASU Leon Levine Health Sciences Complex Boone, NC
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences Addition/ Renovation Durham, NC
Self Regional Medical Center Greenwood, SC
Tri-County Biological Sciences Center Lab North Charleston, SC
Wake Technical Community College Health Sciences Raleigh, NC
Furman University Health Sciences Greenville, SC
MUSC Storm Eye Institute Charleston, SC
MUSC Children’s Research Charleston, SC
Ingevity Charleston, SC
Charleston Technical Center Charleston, SC
Westvaco Transgenic Growth Labs Charleston, SC
Clemson University Baruch Institute Georgetown, SC
Thorne Research Renovation Summerville, SC
