Maximizing Success: Leveraging Expertise and Collaboration in Laboratory Construction

In laboratory construction, proven expertise and ongoing collaboration are not just advantageous—they are essential. At JE Dunn, we take pride in our extensive experience, having completed more than 100 laboratory projects, many in partnership with universities. We excel at navigating the complexities of specialized laboratory environments to meet each facility’s unique requirements. Our approach prioritizes efficiency, safety, and innovation, as demonstrated by many of our successful projects, including Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building at the University of Colorado Boulder, the Robertson Collaborative Life Sciences Building, and Emory University’s Health Sciences Research Building II (HSRB II).

Comprehensive Design Submission Reviews

A successful laboratory project begins with meticulous design submission reviews and active participation in program review meetings. Our team of experts takes the lead in several critical areas:

1. Cost and Schedule Implications: We rigorously assess proposed design solutions for their financial and timeline impacts. For example, during the construction of the Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building, our evaluations led to significant savings by optimizing the original design. Our team communicated through a project website and provided weekly cost trend analysis reports, using Bluebeam for drawing updates to trades. We received a new drawing every 50 minutes, highlighting the importance of teamwork in managing complex projects.
2. Constructability Reviews: Understanding the intricate connections among specialized components is paramount. Our expertise ensures that project details are not only feasible but also practical for implementation.
3. Quality Feedback on Building Systems: We scrutinize proposed building systems, identifying areas for potential improvement. This was particularly evident in our work at the Robertson Collaborative Life Sciences Building, where we enhanced system performance through our thorough reviews.
4. LEED Criteria and Strategies: Sustainability is a core value. We review project LEED criteria and help facilities achieve their environmental goals. To date, we have built three LEED Platinum laboratories, Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building at the University of Colorado Boulder, the Robertson Collaborative Life Sciences Building, and NREL’s Energy Systems Integration Facility.
5. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks is crucial for project success. Our proactive Risk Registry updates ensure that all stakeholders are informed and prepared for any challenges that arise.

Collaborating for Success

Our commitment to lean principles fosters a culture of collaboration that is integral to our approach. Lean focuses on working smarter, respecting individual contributions, and driving continuous improvement. By empowering all team members—owners, design teams, construction managers, and trade partners—we create an environment where everyone’s expertise is valued.

For instance, the collaborative atmosphere at the Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building facilitated efficient communication and problem-solving, incorporating changes in design during construction from grants and fundraising resulting in approximately $140 million worth of work completed with no rework.

Addressing Unique Laboratory Challenges

Laboratories present distinctive challenges that require specialized knowledge and experience. Our team meticulously evaluates key areas that impact both project outcomes and timelines:

• Infrastructure Requirements: Assessing the needs for air, gas, power, and waste systems is critical. For example, at the Robertson Collaborative Life Sciences Building, we navigated the complexities of an old salvage yard for ships to ensure that infrastructure met the stringent demands of advanced biomedical research.
• Fume Hood Optimization: Our evaluations include high-performance fume hoods and energy recovery systems to maximize efficiency and safety.
• Indoor Airflow and Efficiency: Effective indoor air flow modeling allows us to optimize air change rates and ensure a safe working environment. We achieved this in the HSRB II project, where careful planning contributed to its status as a model of modern construction excellence.

Laboratory Casework and Equipment Coordination

Laboratory casework is foundational in defining how work is conducted in these specialized environments. Our evaluations encompass:

• Constructability and Service Coordination: We assess how laboratory casework, countertops, and materials interact with MEP systems to ensure seamless service access. We use Building Information Modeling (BIM) to coordinate utility points of connection and maintenance equipment zones.

• Relocating Lab Equipment: Coordinating the relocation of lab equipment is essential for maintaining functionality. We lead coordination meetings and utilize BIM to capture all relevant information including Designing for Laboratory Safety. Early in design we coordinate equipment location developing a “path of travel” and sequence of construction around the equipment.

Safety is our top priority in laboratory construction. Our design and construction practices focus on ensuring the well-being of lab users through rigorous safety protocols:

• Glazing Systems: We evaluate glazing systems to enhance visibility into labs while maintaining safety standards.
• Fire Suppression Systems: Our experience indicates the necessity of specialized fire suppression systems tailored to lab activities.

Quality Assurance and Control

At JE Dunn, we excel in quality assurance and control, especially concerning vibration management which is critical for sensitive lab equipment. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Conducting detailed vibration assessments to protect delicate instruments.
• Collaborating with equipment manufacturers to ensure optimal installation and performance validation, a strategy that enhances project outcomes.

One of the primary objectives on the Robertson Collaborative Life Sciences Building was to create a highly sensitive microscope lab, which required strict vibration mitigation.

JE Dunn collaborated with the design and owner team to come up with a plan to address the challenging location – near a river, an active light rail line, and an old shipwreck yard contaminated with remnants of war weaponry. To address this, JE Dunn implemented innovative engineering solutions, including the construction of a moat around the lab, which has functioned flawlessly for over a decade, allowing the team to successfully navigate the complexities of this unique site.

Conclusion

In laboratory construction, expertise, ongoing collaboration, and a proactive problem-solving mindset are essential for success. At JE Dunn, our collaborative approach and deep industry knowledge position us as leaders in this field. We have successfully managed complex projects, resulting in state-of-the-art facilities from the Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building to Emory University’s HSRB II, showcasing our capability to deliver exceptional results that exceed client expectations.