DPR provided preconstruction and construction services on its 11th project on Caltech’s private research campus in Pasadena, CA. The project was a 40,000-sq.-ft. renovation and 10,000-sq.-ft. addition to the Jorgensen laboratory building. The Jorgensen building was built in 1971 and is located in the center of the university campus, at the main gathering point for faculty and students.
The building was completely renovated for the Resnick Institute: Science + Energy + Sustainability and the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP), a multi-disciplinary group of scientists dedicated to studying sustainability and innovative energy technology. The ground floor is used for administrative offices while the lower garden level and second floor are scientific labs. The second floor patio is enclosed for additional lab space. A second egress stair and larger elevator and ADA upgrades were required additions. Project included 25 fume hoods, and multiple gas systems. All new AHU and double redundant strobic exhaust fan assemblies that were design to disburse exhaust taking into account adjacent buildings and prevailing wind patterns.
The project was designed and constructed with sustainability in mind and the general contractor was integral in the LEED certification process. New green features of the renovated and expanded building include: LEED Gold certification at a minimum, living green roof, dual duct HVAC system, natural day lighting, and solar tubes for renewable energy.