Modular Rodent Building Complex-Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Project Description

This modular rodent building complex is located within a 280,000 square foot commercial/industrial warehouse on nearly 15 acres of land in an urban US setting. This facility houses the support functions and storage facilities for a major biomedical research organization. The property also serves as the headquarters to a translational R&D organization, whose mission is to develop basic biomedical discoveries for applications to improve human health. By locating these important functions in this satellite location, they are able to efficiently conduct scientific research operations at the institutes world-class campus.

Quiet, Remote Facility

The primary function of this facility is to house a core colony of mice for research support. It is a tightly controlled SPF barrier facility. The facility is remote from the main campus, and remote from other activities within the support facility. The remoteness contributes to a quiet environment that will help the core colony thrive.

The modular rodent building complex is comprised on 27 module units and is 13,500 square feet. These modular units were constructed off-site and shipped to the site for final setting and connection. Upon delivery, these units were placed on a system of piers designed to reduce vibration.

The basis of design for this facility included:

1. Separate clean and dirty corridor system system
2. Disposable caging system
3. Mechanical and electrical systems are accessible from exterior of modular units
4. 12,000 cages with future expansion opportunity
5. Meets AALAS guidelines, NIH requirements, and local building codes
6. Edstrom Watchdog Vivarium Monitoring System
7. Proximity card access
8. Air shower entry for staff and decontamination chamber for supplies and cages
9. Controlled lighting system
10. Redundant air handling unit with HEPA filtration

Facts & Figures

General Contractor:
McCownGordon Construction

Design Team:
PGAV Architects
Jacobs Consultancy
CRB Mechanical Engineers
Art’s Way Scientific, Inc.

Size:
13,500 SF