Designed in collaboration with The Architects Collaborative, the Combs Cancer Research Facility is organized with the research laboratories located on the perimeter of the building to take advantage of views and natural light. Sustainable concepts were utilized extensively with the design of this facility. Solar gain and daylight are controlled by an exterior fixed “light shelf”, which shades the glass from summer’s heat but reflects light onto lab ceilings as a pleasant and diffused source of ambient lighting. Lighting is controlled by zones, which allow energy use to be curtailed on sunny days.

The atrium lobby services main conference rooms and central lounge areas in addition to providing controlled access to the laboratories and offices on all floors. Opening onto the atrium are casual interaction areas on Levels Two and Three for researchers and staff.

The project was the cover-featured article in the first issue of Lab Planning & Design Magazine.