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Sited in a rolling meadow near the River Corrib in Galway, Ireland, the Biosciences Research Building (BRB) is the first phase of the new North Campus Science Precinct at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). Housing high tech science laboratories dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL-3 animal research, the BRB offers a transparent and collaborative lab environment that connects the new science precinct with the university?s historic campus. Among the world?s most energy-efficient buildings to support intense scientific research, the BRB was constructed for a remarkably low cost per SF ($413) as compared to similar facilities, which typically cost $600-800 per SF. Courtesy of Payette – Photographs : Warren Jagger
Problem :

NUIG needed a new sustainable, economical, and efficient building to support a range of high-tech research labs. In addition to creating interior spaces that would enhance collaboration and provide a sense of community for the scientists, the building also had to shape the university?s new science precinct, establish a strong campus edge with a pedestrian thoroughfare, and connect with the surrounding landscape.
Courtesy of Payette – Photographs : Warren Jagger
Solution :

Set within a lush green field, the BRB is a thin, three-story bar building. Its slightly skewed massing echoes the neighboring river and forms a boundary for the...