2RW is providing MEP/FP engineering for Levels 3 and 4 of the six-story facility, in collaboration with BR+A, which is responsible for the lower levels and the mechanical penthouse. The design supports high-intensity laboratory environments requiring precise temperature and humidity control, pressure zoning, and high air-change rates to maintain clean and safe research conditions. Systems are designed with redundancy and flexibility to accommodate evolving research needs while integrating seamlessly with UVA’s centralized building automation and energy management platforms.

The HVAC design is connected to the campus heating and chilled water loops, and it includes a secondary loop that circulates chilled water to ceiling-mounted chilled beam units, providing efficient space cooling. Hydronic outdoor air units paired with exhaust air units provide fresh air and remove contaminants, utilizing energy recovery coils to capture and reuse energy from exhausted air. Variable air volume (VAV) boxes with heating water coils regulate airflow to individual spaces, maintaining a comfortable and precise environmental condition across lab and office areas.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the design, with high-efficiency systems, energy recovery strategies, and water-saving measures that reduce operational costs while enhancing occupant comfort and indoor environmental quality. The facility is designed for long-term adaptability, operational resilience, and environmental sustainability, aligning with UVA’s goals to expand research capacity, foster collaboration, and promote sustainable innovation.

Rendering Courtesy of Elkus Manfredi Architects