In 1975, Omni designed the Tobacco Research Facility to facilitate biochemical research in tobacco and the effects of smoking. Located on the campus of the University of Kentucky, the facility comprised a wide variety of general and specialized laboratory spaces, support areas, animal facilities, and administrative spaces.
The exterior expression evolved directly from the efficient square plan, with the smaller first floor recessed into a broad planted berm encircling the building, and the larger second floor cantilevered above. This energy efficient design allows for a continuous band of shaded windows on the first floor offices. The interior labs were configured with a full height interstitial floor to provide maximum flexibility for lab services.