Consigli Construction Co., Inc. has broken ground on the first building in a new 64-acre ocean research and education campus for the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.
Due to be completed in November of 2011, the first phase of construction is the $10 million Bigelow Center for Blue Biotechnology. The 25,600 s/f, three-story building will house the world's first microbial single cell genomics facility, the Provasoli-Guillard National Center for the Culture of Marine Phytoplankton, various laboratories, offices, a café and conference space. The building is designed to be energy efficient and projected to receive LEED Gold designation. The interior and exterior building materials were chosen for their low carbon footprint, high use of recycled content, sustainable manufacturing process and lifecycle durability.
"By providing access to frontline research at the laboratory, the BCBB will foster collaboration with the private sector and facilitate partnerships with companies in the pharmaceutical, aquaculture, environmental impact assessment, analytical instrument, and biofuels industries," said David Coit, chair of the Laboratories Board of Trustees.
An internationally known global ocean research center since 1974, Bigelow Laboratory is currently housed in space rented from the Maine Department of Marine Resources in West Boothbay Harbor. It recently purchased the forested waterfront parcel located nearby for the new campus and permanent home, which will take shape over the next few years.
When complete, the Ocean Science and Education campus will include an attached building for the Center for Ocean Biogeochemistry and Climate Change, a building for the Center for Ocean Health, an administrative / auditorium facility, housing for visiting scientists and students, a pier and dock for research vessels and other facilities.
Design for the project was provided by Perkins + Will with WBRC Architects and Engineers.