IDC Architects

The State of Oregon's Department of Administrative Services (DAS) along with the Public Health Laboratory (PHL), and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), engaged IDC Architects to create new analytical laboratories in an existing light-commercial use building in Hillsboro, Oregon. IDCA's multi-discipline team of architects and engineers designed a multi-use facility to support the diverse missions of the PHL and the DEQ in the most cost-effective way.

Prior programming efforts identified a need for 95,000 GSF, while building capacity was just 75,000 GSF. Together with our lab sub-consultant, we found space-saving solutions and made building modifications using significantly less total area. Our innovative programming resulted in maximizing usable space in places such as equipment mezzanines and perimeter additions. Open-bay laboratory spaces, specialty biocontainment and cleanroom environments, and utility systems required a new an entirely independent structural system to support air handlers and exhaust fans, which were coordinated with wall layout and a new ceiling cavity.

IDCA's design brought daylight using skylights and interior relites and improved energy performance and the work environment. The building met the State Energy Efficiency Design (SEED) program, which must exceed Building Code energy standards by more than 20%. In large open suites, lab benches were designed for multiple functions, allowing greater flexibility for workflow changes and for quick response to epidemic or environmental emergencies. Also, the laboratories' BSL-3 capabilities had to meet Department of Homeland Security guidelines and other hazardous material standards required by PHL and DEQ.

This innovative adaptive reuse project won First Place in the Daily Journal of Commerce's 2008 Top Projects, "Public Buildings: $15.1 to $50 Million."