USTAR BioInnovations Center Utah State University

OVERVIEW

The USTAR (Utah Science Technology & Research) Initiative is a state-funded investment to strengthen Utah’s knowledge economy and generate high-paying jobs. Located on the Innovation Campus of Utah State University, the USTAR BioInnovations Center houses highly-advanced life sciences laboratories and provides researchers the resources to seek cures for human and animal diseases.

The three-story steel structure features perforated metal panels and a transparent skin on parts of the building. The beauty of this building belies its intense scientific functions and requirements. Because the structure is designed to meet widely varying vibration performance requirements in different areas within the building, the Gramoll team worked closely with the design team to evaluate different framed floor systems for vibration performance levels. This approach determined the most economical framing systems.

One building wing houses research laboratories and another building wing houses a 13,000-SF Vivarium and 5,000 SF of BSL3 (Bio Safety Lab – Level 3) suites where specialized research is conducted. The BSL3 suite is designed as an isolated zone from the rest of the building. This area is intended to function as a “box within a box” and has strictly controlled access, individual room monitoring, and special security measures. In addition, the building has a number of safety features including redundant mechanical systems and backup power.

AWARDS &
TESTIMONIALS

• US Green Building Council LEED Gold
• AGC of Utah 2010 Building/Industrial Project of the Year
• State of Utah DFCM 2010 CM/GC Project of the Year
• ENR Mountain States 2011 Best Overall Project of the Year” and “Best Higher Education/Research”
• ACEC Utah Chapter 2011 Engineering Excellence Honor Award