Integrated Bioprocessing Research Facility
Project Summary
Moving from basic research discoveries to commercial products requires a unique facility where various plant and plant co-products (biomass) can be tested as value-added bioprocessing products. In conjunction with CORE Construction, we were selected for the design-build of the 40,000 square foot Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaigns College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) campus. IBRL is a flexible, plug-and-play pilot plant and analytical laboratory bringing faculty, students, and private industry together to scale up processes from the lab bench ultimately developing efficient and economical strategies for the production of renewable bio-based products.
An integrated pilot plant, IBRL provides research space, teaching classrooms, administrative offices, and analysis laboratories. The laboratory includes state-of-the-art pilot plant processing unit operations and a biotechnology, fermenting, corn milling and soybean processing high bay space with cutting edge equipment. In order to produce next-generation biofuels, the equipment accommodates analysis, deconstruction, fermentation, thermochemical processes, co-product evaluation and optimization of cellulosic material into energy, including biomass pre-treatment skids, one of only two in North America.
IBRL is designed to meet LEED Silver Certification.
client
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
location
Urbana, Illinois
size
40,000 sf
cost
$24 million
Services
client
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
location
Urbana, Illinois
size
40,000 sf
cost
$24 million
Services
Efficient Design
We faced the challenge of a competitive design-build scenario where cost and efficiency are of first importance. In one month’s time, the exterior was redesigned, the plan improved, the energy-saving performance increased, and the costs tightened to win the project.
To improve the aesthetics of IBRL, our architects gave the building a sense of arrival by combining the front and accessible entrances, repositioning the front stairwell, and creating an entry lobby to help promote the development of industry relationships between the public and private sector institutions interested in bio-based proof-of-concept activities. The new lobby’s terrazzo floor is designed to represent the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), a nod of respect to one of the oldest faculties on campus. Understanding the balance between old and new on UIUC campus, We also improved the building façade to provide a better connection with UIUCs Georgian style.
To improve the thermal energy performance, We redesigned the wall system to increase its thermal capacity and eliminate thermal gaps / bridging. A window and metal panel system was integrated into the design to decrease opportunities for heat loss. All of these solutions will provide long-term operational cost-savings to the client.
To improve on the construction costs of IBRL, we maximized the building mass, both reducing costs and increasing the amount of usable research space in the building. The mechanical supply routes were simplified to provide for easier installation and maintenance. With no change to interior ceiling height, the roof line was dropped and the connections to the adjacent historic building were aligned reducing material cost.