Renovating to Support Life Sciences

To meet the requirements of Princeton University’s biochemistry and bioengineering program for the School of Engineering and Applied Science, HDR was selected to renovate the aging Hoyt Laboratory building in the “Science Neighborhood” on campus. The initial project involved mechanical upgrades to the 32-year-old former chemistry laboratory. Using multiple life cycle cost analysis and feasibility studies, the design team envisioned a long-term solution to enhance the building. We collaborated with the university to develop an innovative and functional plan to create flexible, open laboratories and extend the life of the building.

The university was able to accomplish not only the initial mechanical upgrade, but a renovation of the entire building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with two floors of laboratory renovations and a new roof. Continuously evaluated throughout the design process, the result is an entirely repurposed building with reconfigured labs, filled with natural light, collaboration space and student workrooms. Safety was also improved by upgrading fire protection systems and enhancing laboratory safety measures. And, as the program expands and additional users are identified, phased renovations will require only minor engineering modifications.

Under Princeton’s sustainability plan, the upgrades were designed to a LEED Silver-equivalent level, and the MEP systems meet the University’s operational and energy guidelines, improving energy efficiency and heat usage by over 50%.

Sustainable features include:

• New, energy-efficient HVAC systems
• Energy efficient lighting with occupancy sensors and building controls to reduce energy consumption
• Refurbished laboratory fume hoods modified for safety and better energy performance
  • Chilled beam systems to reduce energy loads
  • Heat recovery systems
  • Gravity discharge dampers to save energy
  • Low VOC interior finishes