Vivarium and Laboratory
Construction Projects
Our firm worked with Brooks Development Authority, the US Navy and City of San Antonio representatives to provide construction management services for two of their research and development facilities, a vivarium and a BSL bioterrorism preparedness lab. The 1,000sf slab-on-grade vivarium included:
- earthwork and site utilities
- concrete slab, CMU and wood frame trusses
- stainless stell guard-rails, doors and frames
- animal drinking water system
- HVAC system with hepa filters
- new electrical service and fire detection system
With the pre-purchase of key pieces of equipment for the watering system and the special 100% outside air-conditioning system, the project was completed on time and on budget.
Biosafety Laboratory
The bioterrorism preparedness lab entailed installing MEP equipment on the roof of this eight-story structure. The facility includes a 1,000sf BSL 3 lab and a 2,500sf BSL 2 lab. The primary function of this laboratory is to identify unknown chemical or biological threats to San Antonio and surrounding areas. The facility will also be used to identify potential public health risks such as outbreaks of infectious diseases. Specific lab components include:
- negative air pressure rooms which range from negative x1 to x4
- stainless steel mechanical ductwork wrapped in insulation
- strengthening the penthouse framing with W12 x 22s to support the load of the 12ft-tall exhaust fans
- plumbing including domestic, hot, and de-ionized water; acid waste; sewer; vacuum; gas; vents; carbon dioxide; and hydronic lines
- air-tight rooms with stainless steel cabinets and emergency showers
- interiors consisting of epoxy paint, welded vinyl flooring, hollow metal doors and sheetrock ceilings
- security systems
