LBNL - Molecular Foundry
Daring Design, Unwavering Sustainability
Sitting high upon a steep hillside overlooking the city of Berkeley, with views that extend to the San Francisco Bay, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) - Molecular Foundry building immediately strikes viewers with its dramatic design, imaginative views and daring placement — with a portion of the building jutting out 45 feet over the hillside.
The aim from the beginning for the Molecular Foundry was to create a sustainable, energy-efficient building representative of the groundbreaking work conducted within the facility. Extensive access to natural daylight in the building design was a key “green” feature of the project. The slim profile of the Kawneer curtain wall reduced sightlines for a more streamlined appearance and maximized daylighting in the 95,000 square-foot facility. Operable, project-out windows helped improve air circulation and provided natural ventilation, increasing occupant comfort, well-being and productivity.
A major challenge on the project was the site’s high seismic activity. The Molecular Foundry is located within close proximity of the Hayward fault, making it susceptible to heavy earthquake activity. Kawneer provided design and assistance on custom head anchors for the curtain wall, which were designed to accommodate interstory drift, or movement between floors during earthquakes.
As a result of the energy saving features throughout the building, the Molecular Foundry consumes 28 percent less energy than the already rigorous California building efficiency standard. The LEED Gold certified building aims to make its mark on the future by helping to pioneer energy efficiency and environmental design in research facilities.
