Consigli Construction Co., Inc. has completed construction of the Bigelow Center for Blue Biotechnology (BCBB), the first building at the new Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences campus.
The new $10.3 million BCBB is one of three complementary and interconnected research centers that Consigli, along with WBRC Architects · Engineers, in association with Perkins + Will, planning and design architect, are completing at the 64-acre Ocean Science and Education Campus.
The 25,600 s/f, three-story building, which houses one of the world's first microbial single cell genomics centers and one of the largest collections in the world of marine phytoplankton, contains various laboratories, offices, a café and conference space. Research in the BCBB focuses on harnessing the potential of the ocean's microbial life to benefit society through new technologies and product development. Projected to receive LEED Gold designation, the BCBB's energy-efficient design includes interior and exterior building materials chosen for their low carbon footprint, high use of recycled content, sustainable manufacturing process and lifecycle durability.
"Construction of the BCBB, completed 14 months after groundbreaking in the fall of 2010, was made possible by a major award from the Maine Technology Asset Fund and the people of Maine who voted to pass a $50 million research and development bond in 2007," said Graham Shimmield, laboratory executive director.
The second science facility, currently in construction and slated for completion this summer, is the $6.6 million Center for Ocean Biogeochemistry and Climate Change (COBCC). The 17,197 s/f Center includes laboratory space for research on the interface between the planet's atmosphere, ocean, and sediments, and the ocean's role in climate variability.
The $9.9 million Bigelow Center for Ocean Health (COH) represents the third phase of the new campus and is to be completed in November. The Center conducts research on marine microbial ecosystems and their role in maintaining the health of the oceans. The 16,600 s/f building will be augmented by a 1,400 s/f shore facility, with seawater pumping facilities and pier and dock space for research vessels to support field research and SCUBA operations.
When fully completed, the Ocean Science and Education campus will provide over 60,000 s/f of laboratory, education and administrative space; bringing scientists together in a unified facility to develop a multi-disciplinary, multi-scale approach to ocean health, and provide improved management tools to support healthy, productive and resilient ocean ecosystems.
Bigelow Center for Blue Biotechnology (BCBB), East Boothbay, Maine