McGill University
Life Sciences Complex

2004-2008/Montréal (Québec)/1,550 m2/16,700 ft2

New construction

Project description

Construction of the Life Sciences Complex including the new Goodman Cancer Research Building and the Francesco Bellini Life Sciences Building to accommodate various laboratories. The buildings house laboratories for cancer research, genetic biology and cell information system. Also included are a 4,000 m² animal facility, an area for transgenic animals, a level 3 biosafety containment lab, several chemical and biological hoods, a nuclear magnetic resonance room, etc.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Integrating a cooling system terminal to laboratories.
  • Innovating by integrating radiant heat tablets that reflect daylight inside, allowing full use of the floor perimeter without constraints.
  • Design criteria including modularity and flexibility.
  • Ventilated cage system for animals.
  • Rainwater recovery system.
  • Limitations on steam use.
  • High energy consumption in laboratories.
  • Generator for the total capacity of the building.
  • Animal facilities (complexity, redundancy, etc.).
  • Sector with a containment level 3 biological laboratory (CL3).
  • Tall building above an existing parking garage.
  • Construction on a protected site of Mount Royal and connected to existing campus installations (McIntyre and Stewart Buildings).
  • Certified LEED-NC Gold.

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