Energy Efficient Laboratory on a Budget

This month’s issue of High Performing Buildings includes an in-depth case study of the award-winning National University of Ireland, Galway’s Biosciences Research Building.

As the first phase of the new North Campus Science Precinct, the Biosciences Research Building provides a high technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and animal research (biosafety level 3).

Due to the project occurring in the depths of the Irish economic collapse, the design philosophy could not appear to be excessive or wasteful in any way. This challenge created an opportunity to look for a new innovative way to design research spaces for such an intense scientific agenda. The design team was prudent with its approach to the building’s energy use and its relationship to the architecture. As a result, the building is one of the most-energy efficient research buildings and was constructed for an extremely low cost per square foot ($413), as compared to similar facilities which typically cost $600 to $800/SF.

The article includes a comprehensive look at the design strategies implemented that contributed to developing a highly sustainable building for the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Read the full article.